Pattaya Takeover By Russians

[koheesti]

I know many Russians from years living there and in the region. Most are really great people. Very generous and know how to have a good time. You don't hear the hard working ones here on holiday with their families, only the loud ones who more than likely got their money through shady means. No matter where you are from, it's the loud, obnoxious ones who attract the attention (for example, not all Brits are like stag parties - thank God).

[sharecropper]

I know many Russians from years living there and in the region. Most are really great people. Very generous and know how to have a good time. You don't hear the hard working ones here on holiday with their families, only the loud ones who more than likely got their money through shady means. No matter where you are from, it's the loud, obnoxious ones who attract the attention (for example, not all Brits are like stag parties - thank God).

I think that's a fair point, but we are talking about Pattaya. I have Russian friends in London who are lawyers and merchant bankers, who speak English with an accent that, when you hear them, you really cannot believe they are Russian. But they won't be coming to Pattaya anytime soon, I supect.

When one of them came here two years ago, the wife of one of my friends, she was appalled by the other Russians she bumped into.

To be fair, I think it changes and improves every year.

[GucciLittlePiggy]

One thing I think is true about Russia today. They THINK they are more important than they actually are. That makes them still a bit unpredictable and dangerous. An example is their flaky behavior regarding Iran, the war in Georgia, the pressure on Ukraine. Their ego is fragile. You could say a similar thing about the USA, but objectively the USA still is much more important globally than Russia. Russians believe they are the equals in power with the USA and that is a bit touchy, because they ain't.

They are also an extremely proud lot. Being stitched up by the americans during WWII was pretty scandalous, and a cause of understandable festering resentment. Losing the cold war was plain humiliating.

I saw the BBC programme HardTalk a while back, where Andrey Lugovoy, the alleged killer of Alexander Litvinenko, was interviewed. Fascinating stuff. Not only was Lugovoy unrepentent, he made it very clear Russia has not forgotten the humiliation of the past, and would be be seeking revenge in the future. I fear a resurgent Russia.

FWIW Lugovoy is now a Russian MP.

[GucciLittlePiggy]

You conveniently forgot that that is exactly what they did. Heard of Tschekoslovakia 1968? Alexander Dubcek?

I'm talking (as was the poster) about the end of the Cold War - in 1991, not 1968.

That's pretty poor. Are you seriously suggesting the Soviet Union wasn't expansionist?

You should be sure of your facts before you call someone else's post embarrassingly naive.

[GucciLittlePiggy]

It appears that Russian-related threads brings out the worst in us.

Sorry about that.

So, back to the OP and keeping socially unacceptable habits and binge drinking out of the frame, why do some people have issues with the visiting Russians culture? Is it because they 'look like' farangs but behave differently from, how should I say this... 'normal' farangs?

In 'pre-glasnost' times (thanks moo9), it was normal for Russians to queue interminably for the most basic of items such as daily bread, petrol, transport, etc.. Since they now have embraced the 'me first' culture of the modern, civilised and democratic world, they have grasped the important concept of getting in front that so many Asians are guilty of. For example, when the seat belt sign goes off after parking at the gate, how many tiny, pushy, smiling, ingratiating Thai twerps push past you as you get your kit from the overhead; from all the way back on row 44!!

I am more pissed off by locals pushing in front at bus stops, Post Offices, airplanes or ticketing desks than I am at the odd beered up slavic tourist bloke (with the porn star look-alike girlfriend).

Reason for edit: not all Russian women are porn stars.

I think it's because we are basically jealous of them. We have failed to work out Russian fashion codes and rules of attraction. Viz. Ugly, impecunious-looking blokes in ill-fitting cheap shorts and T Shirts, end up with stunning looking women dressed in really sexy outfits. How does that happen?

Actually, that happens in much of the world. The brutal truth here is Russian men are winning the battle of the sexes, whereas British men, like me, are getting thoroughly spanked. It's all the fault of the internet, innit?

[GucciLittlePiggy]

I know many Russians from years living there and in the region. Most are really great people. Very generous and know how to have a good time. You don't hear the hard working ones here on holiday with their families, only the loud ones who more than likely got their money through shady means. No matter where you are from, it's the loud, obnoxious ones who attract the attention (for example, not all Brits are like stag parties - thank God).

Why is constant Brit bashing allowed? Does "rule number 7" not apply here too?

Silly me.

Next, there'll be loads of women complaining about fat, bald men without a single censure.

[buddy]

OP writes about the Russians:

"how well turned-out and polite they are in general"

you must be joking?!

They are impolite, uncouth, treating other nationalities as invisible and inferior.

Most of the russians are cheaply attired and ask the Thai's what they think about them and most will say they dislike them for their unpleasant manners, impoliteness and meanness.

-------------------------------

Right on the spot.... keep out of their way. Russians have never been any good news to anyone in this world.

New money in Russia, all kind of lowlife comes to life and begin to travel. watch out!!

Glegolo

Heres the first of the USA bashers out of the woodwork!

I know this may invite the USA bashers out but consider this,

If the Soviet Union (Russia) had won the Cold War what would the World be like now?...return to the dark ages and no travel, so most of you Guys living in Thailand would never of had the chance to go to Thailand never mind live there and most definetely the internet would not be allowed to exist.

What does Russia contribute now, freezing Winters for your Granny?

Russians only understand strongarm tactics...just like Putin the KGB thug.

I'm not even a USA basher, but that is preposterously misconceived, embarrasingly naive, Fox News style perspective of the world. It seems you may be a USA basher in disguise, posting nonsense to bring out the worst in us.

What do you think the Cold War was? It wasn't a real war, it's just a figure of speech. The Red Army wasn't going to roll into Europe and the Good Ol' USA if Ronnie the nutter hadn't stopped them. (if they had, maybe the illegal war in Iraq and the face-saving sideshow in Afghanistan wouldn't have been fought)

But now I find myself digressed into your digression., so I'll stop before I get my bottom immoderately smacked again.

[buddy]

Heres the first of the USA bashers!

[LaoPo]

Masses of Russians, couples and families, who seem to be spending copiously in the shops and restaurants. They are everywhere in huge numbers.

...a sentence by the OP.

Facts are different. Russians are a minority in tourism to Thailand.

As an example: arrivals via Suvarnabhumi - Bangkok in 2008 Jan>Dec:

Russians: 261,000

Americans: 554,000

UK: 668,000

Germany: 450,000

France 321,000

Japan 1.058.000

China 700,000

Korea 600,000

At that's just the numbers via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi.

"Masses of Russians........Huge numbers.........."

anyone a cookie ?

source: International__Tourist_Nationality__Suvarnabhumi_2008___Jan___Dec_2008_on_3_rd_Feb_2009.xls

Conclusion: the OP is exaggerating.

LaoPo

[GucciLittlePiggy]

Yes, but where are they going? Russians to Pattaya, Chinese to China, Koreans to...

Conclusion: LaoPo is a pedant.

[LaoPo]

Yes, but where are they going? Russians to Pattaya, Chinese to China, Koreans to...

Conclusion: LaoPo is a pedant.

...No, I'm not; we have other good and qualified teachers on the forum but when someone writes that the Russians are everywhere (in Thailand) in huge numbers I like to give facts instead of exaggerating in an OP

LaoPo

[NanLaew]

^ Come on LaoPo, only you are saying that someone else is claiming "the Russians are everywhere (in Thailand)" whereas this thread is firmly rooted in Pattaya where most Russians arrive via charter flights direct to U Tapao and never ever see the insides of Suvarnabhumi airport.

I think quoting any statistics provided by the TAT, AOT or other Thai government agency has been proven as inadmissible in most every keyboard joust on ThaiVisa.

The OP is NOT wrong in saying that right now, compared to other tourist traps in LOS, Pattaya is absolutely heaving with Russians. They may statistically be a tourist minority globally and nationally but the few that are out and about are in Pattaya.

Edited January 3, 2010 by NanLaew

[koheesti]

I know many Russians from years living there and in the region. Most are really great people. Very generous and know how to have a good time. You don't hear the hard working ones here on holiday with their families, only the loud ones who more than likely got their money through shady means. No matter where you are from, it's the loud, obnoxious ones who attract the attention (for example, not all Brits are like stag parties - thank God).

Why is constant Brit bashing allowed? Does "rule number 7" not apply here too?

Silly me.

Brits are fine. Most of my friends down here are British. There's no rule against bashing stag parties. Stag parties are a plague upon the rest of mankind and need to be wiped off the face of the Earth. Some people here are complaining about Russians. Imagine how they'd feel if there were groups of 15 drunken Russian men doing whatever they felt like with total disregard to others around them? The ol' "Stag Do" doesn't sound much like fun anymore, does it?

[sharecropper]

The ol' "Stag Do" doesn't sound much like fun anymore, does it?

Well it probably would if I was on it.

[henning]

On the long term they will destroy the tourists industries in Pattaya together whit the Indian people/tourists. They dont spend much money and they scare away the normal tourists with they behaves. I dont think anybody like Russians in Europe. But the most pathetic is the Indian people who walk around 5-6 people sharing one bottle of water and try to buy one girl together. They dont want to pay barfee, and they want to pay the lady 500-1000 THB together. The Russians normally live in hotels where everything is prepaid. (Not expensive) It means they not spend much money outside the hotel, only small shopping.

[NanLaew]

On the long term they will destroy the tourists industries in Pattaya together whit the Indian people/tourists. They dont spend much money and they scare away the normal tourists with they behaves. I dont think anybody like Russians in Europe. But the most pathetic is the Indian people who walk around 5-6 people sharing one bottle of water and try to buy one girl together. They dont want to pay barfee, and they want to pay the lady 500-1000 THB together. The Russians normally live in hotels where everything is prepaid. (Not expensive) It means they not spend much money outside the hotel, only small shopping.

Thanks for the enlightenment regards how 'normal' tourists pay bar fines and recompense overnight companions.

All-inclusive hotel deals work for those on a fixed budget, limited time and the inexperienced traveler.

Pattaya is way big enough to support the budget, all-inclusive, sexpat and 5-star hotel guests.

So don't worry, there's plenty of what you fancy left over but I seriously doubt that it's the sexual peccadillo's of certain ethnic groups that's going to run the mongers out of town.

[henning]

Ok.

But I guess its mean that you don’t live in Pattaya and you don’t know this new tourists. I see this every day, and I talk with bar and restaurants owners daily.These groups are quite important for Pattaya I guess. This is not about the sex industry. It is not a good thing for Pattaya that tourists who spend a lots of money stay away because of the “new” tourists who not spend much money. And that’s happens. Be sure.

[LennyW]

Henning, i think you should read the opening post....

Masses of Russians, couples and families, who seem to be spending copiously in the shops and restaurants. They are everywhere in huge numbers.

[henning]

Just following a discussion abut Russians in Pattaya. And I still mean this is not a good thing for Pattaya. Most people live here can easy see this. And I also write about Indians because they are also a growing problem for Pattaya like the Russians. I love Pattaya so to see a problem growing is not so funny.

QUOTE (glegolo @ 2010-01-01 07:56:05)

QUOTE (R123 @ 2009-12-31 21:30:03)

OP writes about the Russians:

"how well turned-out and polite they are in general"

you must be joking?!

They are impolite, uncouth, treating other nationalities as invisible and inferior.

Most of the russians are cheaply attired and ask the Thai's what they think about them and most will say they dislike them for their unpleasant manners, impoliteness and meanness.

-------------------------------

Right on the spot.... keep out of their way. Russians have never been any good news to anyone in this world.

New money in Russia, all kind of lowlife comes to life and begin to travel. watch out!!

Glegolo

[Jingthing]

A lot of these Russkies are real lookers, men and women. It makes a great contrast to the Sad Sacks in black socks and sandals or technicolor Crocs. Sorry but I think the Russkies are good for Pattaya. Mix it up.

Edited January 3, 2010 by Jingthing

[zorro1]

Just following a discussion abut Russians in Pattaya. And I still mean this is not a good thing for Pattaya. Most people live here can easy see this. And I also write about Indians because they are also a growing problem for Pattaya like the Russians. I love Pattaya so to see a problem growing is not so funny.

QUOTE (glegolo @ 2010-01-01 07:56:05)

QUOTE (R123 @ 2009-12-31 21:30:03)

OP writes about the Russians:

"how well turned-out and polite they are in general"

you must be joking?!

They are impolite, uncouth, treating other nationalities as invisible and inferior.

Most of the russians are cheaply attired and ask the Thai's what they think about them and most will say they dislike them for their unpleasant manners, impoliteness and meanness.

-------------------------------

Right on the spot.... keep out of their way. Russians have never been any good news to anyone in this world.

New money in Russia, all kind of lowlife comes to life and begin to travel. watch out!!

Glegolo

"

They are impolite, uncouth, treating other nationalities as invisible and inferior.

Most of the russians are cheaply attired and ask the Thai's what they think about them and most will say they dislike them for their unpleasant manners, impoliteness and meanness."

agreed 100%

Money is new to most Russians so what your seeing here is the lower class of Russian on holiday as opposed to lower class oz and brits , yanks etc the diff being lack of arrogance as westerners have always had access to cash and are widely traveled. The avg Russian is only new to this

[tropo]

A lot of these Russkies are real lookers, men and women. It makes a great contrast to the Sad Sacks in black socks and sandals or technicolor Crocs. Sorry but I think the Russkies are good for Pattaya. Mix it up.

A lot of people are rating the Russians and other tourists by how much money they spend in bars. They're a bit short sighted because they're still not aware that real tourists come here to do family things.

I see Russians spending plenty of money, but I see that because I don't spend any time in bars.

BTW, for any of you who spend time in jewellery stores, they're huge customers in World Gems on Pattaya Nua. They love big flashy gemstones.

[alexanderthai]

Well, from what i read people here opinion, I think many of you don't understand Pattaya city enough. First of all, Pattaya is a tourist destination.There are so many hotels where are looking for tourists to put in many vacancy rooms. So ? Russians,Chinese,Indians just help them at this moment while US and English have less money to spend as before. I think all Thai people are very give them warm welcome. They are not ruin Pattaya ,aren't they ? I don't see any negative point from having them as guests here while many of westerners struggle with economy recession.

[LaoPo]

^ Come on LaoPo, only you are saying that someone else is claiming "the Russians are everywhere (in Thailand)" whereas this thread is firmly rooted in Pattaya where most Russians arrive via charter flights direct to U Tapao and never ever see the insides of Suvarnabhumi airport.

I didn't think of that; any idea how many Russians come to Thailand per year ?

I mean, claiming that all Thai statistics are not to be trusted is easy, but there has to be some sort of lead to lean on, or not?

So, if the 261,00 Russians who arrive via Suvarnabhumi in 2008 is too low of a number, how many in total ?

LaoPo

[Jingthing]

I am very superficial. I like pretty people. Why can't we get more Spaniards?

[knortyboy]

I'm with Jingthing. I don't see or have any problem with anybody visiting etc. The few Russians I've had any contact with have, for the most part been pretty easy going, good natured and friendly.

The only strange thing I've noticed about them is why they feel the need to borrow cigarettes when drinking. It's like they don't want to buy a full pack.

[zorro1]

I'm with Jingthing. I don't see or have any problem with anybody visiting etc. The few Russians I've had any contact with have, for the most part been pretty easy going, good natured and friendly.

The only strange thing I've noticed about them is why they feel the need to borrow cigarettes when drinking. It's like they don't want to buy a full pack.

Im from east europe, the borrowed smoking thing is sort of cultural going back to the communist era. No one had money but everyone had a smoke if you know what I mean. Borrowing was and still is a bonding thing that will never make sense to westerners

[JimmyTheMook]

Masses of Russians, couples and families, who seem to be spending copiously in the shops and restaurants. They are everywhere in huge numbers.

...a sentence by the OP.

Facts are different. Russians are a minority in tourism to Thailand.

As an example: arrivals via Suvarnabhumi - Bangkok in 2008 Jan>Dec:

Russians: 261,000

Americans: 554,000

UK: 668,000

Germany: 450,000

France 321,000

Japan 1.058.000

China 700,000

Korea 600,000

At that's just the numbers via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi.

"Masses of Russians........Huge numbers.........."

anyone a cookie ?

source: International__Tourist_Nationality__Suvarnabhumi_2008___Jan___Dec_2008_on_3_rd_Feb_2009.xls

Conclusion: the OP is exaggerating.

LaoPo

How about a doughnut ?

Most of the Russians take direct flights into Uptapao Airport from Russia

[SoiGirlHunter]

Had my first interactions with a few Russian guys. I took a songtaow from Jomtien to Pattaya (I usually take motocy taxi but mia noi

is deathly afraid now after an accident). Soon 2 30ish Russian guys jump on and usually they are stone faced and quiet but these guys started

talking to me. I speak a little russian Previet, cadzulla, carashoke, parkar etc. Their english was poor at best. Anyways they didnt seem put off

when i said i was american and even said "oh u guys number one strong now". So we chatted away best we could and they seemed

very well natured and i felt comfortable around them.

Then we stopped and picked 2 Finnish guys and they instantly joined into our conversation. I could see the Finns DID NOT like it when

they learned the 2 guys were russian and gave me the hairy eyeball when i said i was american. The Finns were rude to the point i

started thinking a fight was brewing (only from the Finn side.) I got really bad vibes from them.

[zorro1]

Had my first interactions with a few Russian guys. I took a songtaow from Jomtien to Pattaya (I usually take motocy taxi but mia noi

is deathly afraid now after an accident). Soon 2 30ish Russian guys jump on and usually they are stone faced and quiet but these guys started

talking to me. I speak a little russian Previet, cadzulla, carashoke, parkar etc. Their english was poor at best. Anyways they didnt seem put off

when i said i was american and even said "oh u guys number one strong now". So we chatted away best we could and they seemed

very well natured and i felt comfortable around them.

Then we stopped and picked 2 Finnish guys and they instantly joined into our conversation. I could see the Finns DID NOT like it when

they learned the 2 guys were russian and gave me the hairy eyeball when i said i was american. The Finns were rude to the point i

started thinking a fight was brewing (only from the Finn side.) I got really bad vibes from them.

what a great 1st page for a book. Keep posting ,just make the rest up, best post of the day