Phuket Immigration Task Force Targetting Foreigners Nabs Russian

[BusyBee123]

The open targeting AND reporting of ONLY Russians in relation to work permits in Phuket is racist - even if Russians are the main offenders, the authorities are making it very clear they do not like Russians and do not want them there. What about all the Kiwis, Aussies and Brits all over the country working without permits? I say this because I only ever read about Russians getting their cracks down here, which appears a little one eyed.

I really wish someone in this country (who had the authority to have a voice) stood up to the open racism and xenophobia communicated and demonstrated by the establishment.

When you come to my country, my dearest Thai friends, you can work beside me, you can work above me, or you can work below me - based on your own merits, not your skin color, nor your connections or financial position. How about the same fair deal in your homeland? Do you not love your country enough to share it with those that want to help make it a big success?

Thailand is already successful it doesn't need any help from Johnny Foreigner. It you don't like open racism you can leave and go to Europe, North America or the finest Australia where they are just as racist but less open about it, oh hang on yes they are open about it too. Hmm America loves the Mexicans and invites them over their borders to work freely openly and honestly don't they? Uk rushing through retrospective laws to stop mass immigration because they too love people coming and taking locals jobs! and Australia well where do you start with Australia. Where is this utopia you are from, Africa? Never a racist soul to be found in Africa is there? Middle east and their open free societies.

But is ok you just moan about a few Russians without passports working illegally and then have the cheek to pull the race card...

[transam]

The open targeting AND reporting of ONLY Russians in relation to work permits in Phuket is racist - even if Russians are the main offenders, the authorities are making it very clear they do not like Russians and do not want them there. What about all the Kiwis, Aussies and Brits all over the country working without permits? I say this because I only ever read about Russians getting their cracks down here, which appears a little one eyed.

I really wish someone in this country (who had the authority to have a voice) stood up to the open racism and xenophobia communicated and demonstrated by the establishment.

When you come to my country, my dearest Thai friends, you can work beside me, you can work above me, or you can work below me - based on your own merits, not your skin color, nor your connections or financial position. How about the same fair deal in your homeland? Do you not love your country enough to share it with those that want to help make it a big success?

Thailand is already successful it doesn't need any help from Johnny Foreigner. It you don't like open racism you can leave and go to Europe, North America or the finest Australia where they are just as racist but less open about it, oh hang on yes they are open about it too. Hmm America loves the Mexicans and invites them over their borders to work freely openly and honestly don't they? Uk rushing through retrospective laws to stop mass immigration because they too love people coming and taking locals jobs! and Australia well where do you start with Australia. Where is this utopia you are from, Africa? Never a racist soul to be found in Africa is there? Middle east and their open free societies.

But is ok you just moan about a few Russians without passports working illegally and then have the cheek to pull the race card...

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, Europeans are now governed by the stuff they signed up to. But Noooooooooooooooooooooooo Ruskies. I hope LOS will understand the influx of a few nationalities that know about LOS weaknesses and try to milk it.

[TheGhostWithin]

Thailand is already successful it doesn't need any help from Johnny Foreigner. It you don't like open racism you can leave and go to Europe, North America or the finest Australia where they are just as racist but less open about it, oh hang on yes they are open about it too. Hmm America loves the Mexicans and invites them over their borders to work freely openly and honestly don't they? Uk rushing through retrospective laws to stop mass immigration because they too love people coming and taking locals jobs! and Australia well where do you start with Australia. Where is this utopia you are from, Africa? Never a racist soul to be found in Africa is there? Middle east and their open free societies.

The open targeting AND reporting of ONLY Russians in relation to work permits in Phuket is racist - even if Russians are the main offenders, the authorities are making it very clear they do not like Russians and do not want them there. What about all the Kiwis, Aussies and Brits all over the country working without permits? I say this because I only ever read about Russians getting their cracks down here, which appears a little one eyed.

I really wish someone in this country (who had the authority to have a voice) stood up to the open racism and xenophobia communicated and demonstrated by the establishment.

When you come to my country, my dearest Thai friends, you can work beside me, you can work above me, or you can work below me - based on your own merits, not your skin color, nor your connections or financial position. How about the same fair deal in your homeland? Do you not love your country enough to share it with those that want to help make it a big success?

But is ok you just moan about a few Russians without passports working illegally and then have the cheek to pull the race card...

Thank you for your "Grumpy old man" speech, telling me "if you don't like it you can leave". If you read my posts, I do not reside in Thailand. I do not reside in Thailand because it cannot provide me with the opportunity to succeed as I do in my home country, nor can it provide the salary that my Thai Girlfriend gets here working in a respectable workplace. She used to work at Suvarnabhumi.

Thailand is already successful? That would depend on what you take into account when reviewing its' successes. Yes, it is a major exporter of goods, a major manufacturer of motor vehicles, but as China was 15 years ago, only because of low wages and weak labor laws. This is changing as inflation rises, wages increase and Thais slowly lose their "Thainess" through westernization.

My old boss was from the countryside in India, I learnt to deal with my own racism, appreciate and understand someones skills before judging them. The "Utopia" I am from is New Zealand (again, if you wanted to know you could have just looked at my profile before ripping off the fastest reply possible). There are racists here, both white AND brown. But the laws here protect everyone, not only white, not only brown, not only black.

Please, prior to accusing me of "pulling" the race card, please show me a similar article in the past 2 months of a person(s) of any other nationality within the paradise of Phuket having issues with deportation due to not having the correct work visa on this forum? My point is that the action should be broad, and not one sided against Russian people.

Read, review, research, understand, comprehend. PLEASE!

Edited April 5, 2013 by TheGhostWithin

[Docno]

Ha! Where I live (Singapore) they bust at least a dozen Thais every week for working illegally (massage, waitresses, drinks girls, etc.), though lately they've been getting harder to find. Funny to see the nabbing of a single westerner making the news (along with a photo, no less!). Nice to see a little balance in the cosmos...

[RefinedGentleman]

“We have received many complaints from Thais accusing foreigners of stealing their jobs,” Col Sunchai said.

Isn't the Thai unemployment rate less than 1% ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Thailand

[kennalder]

The open targeting AND reporting of ONLY Russians in relation to work permits in Phuket is racist - even if Russians are the main offenders, the authorities are making it very clear they do not like Russians and do not want them there. What about all the Kiwis, Aussies and Brits all over the country working without permits? I say this because I only ever read about Russians getting their cracks down here, which appears a little one eyed.

I really wish someone in this country (who had the authority to have a voice) stood up to the open racism and xenophobia communicated and demonstrated by the establishment.

When you come to my country, my dearest Thai friends, you can work beside me, you can work above me, or you can work below me - based on your own merits, not your skin color, nor your connections or financial position. How about the same fair deal in your homeland? Do you not love your country enough to share it with those that want to help make it a big success?

Your pleas will fall on deaf ears. Better to lobby our home governments to have reciprocal agreements with Thailand. We will treat Thais wanting to work in our country as you treat ours wanting to work in Thailand. Simple enough.

[Desiree2013]

I am sure it is to get a grip on the Russian mafia, by far the biggest mafia in the world. If you ever have visited Russia, you will know that Russians just don't know how to behave properly, they have the same habits when they are overseas.

Russians are NOT westerners, they are a nationality abused by 80 years of communism and the associated extreme corruption that that entails with one of the lowest life expectancies in the Caucasian world. They have white skins but their behaviour is totally different from western europeans.

Edited April 5, 2013 by Desiree2013

[eezergood]

Easy Xenophobic target - They dont know why they hate them, they just do! Khun Kwai

[euroflash]

Anyone else noticed the large amounts of foreigners working at one particular stand in several Bangkok malls?

These small stands are called Jericho and sell cosmetics. There is one at Central Rama 9/Ratchada in front of Robinson department store and one at Esplanade on Ratchada. There might be many other branches in other malls.

They are almost always manned by Westerners - both men and women - trying to lure customers. Quite amazing considering that, as far as I know, you need to have four Thai employees for every foreigner, and that this job type surely must be reserved for Thais.

But I guess even in the heart of Bangkok amazing things like this just happen...

[bangarang]

This is the 3rd recent incident (off the top of my head) where a Russian person was unable (unwilling?) to produce a passport. How is it they get into the country in the first place?

Well there are some accountants that can produce such paperwork for 25k-30kthb to get you on Non-B and work permit. Not sure about renewals... but they put you in some kind of fake position. I dont see why one couldnt just fork over some money to get proper documents. Paying 4 thai workers peanuts for helping out with something couldnt cost that much, especially if your targeting russian money.

[judokrab]

Anyone else noticed the large amounts of foreigners working at one particular stand in several Bangkok malls?

Yes, I saw them last year. Plus a lot of African prostitutes working Sukhumvit Rd, ignored by the nearby police. I was wondering why they weren't being asked to show their "entertainers" work permit.

[bangarang]

“We have received many complaints from Thais accusing foreigners of stealing their jobs,” Col Sunchai said.

Isn't the Thai unemployment rate less than 1% ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Thailand

If a thai cant compete with a local farang competitor, the only thing they can do is complain to the police to deport them.

[Andre0720]

no sympathy for the miscreant without proper visa etc, but... "big crackdown" nets one person? is there more to it? moving on - it is apparently linked to Taxi/Tuk Tuk and Tour Guide "organised groups" complaining about Russians in particular.... some form of appeasement? in repayment for?

''no sympathy for the miscreant''

Worse, way worse things are happening, under a blind eye or tea money...

[NamKangMan]

The open targeting AND reporting of ONLY Russians in relation to work permits in Phuket is racist - even if Russians are the main offenders, the authorities are making it very clear they do not like Russians and do not want them there. What about all the Kiwis, Aussies and Brits all over the country working without permits? I say this because I only ever read about Russians getting their cracks down here, which appears a little one eyed.

I really wish someone in this country (who had the authority to have a voice) stood up to the open racism and xenophobia communicated and demonstrated by the establishment.

When you come to my country, my dearest Thai friends, you can work beside me, you can work above me, or you can work below me - based on your own merits, not your skin color, nor your connections or financial position. How about the same fair deal in your homeland? Do you not love your country enough to share it with those that want to help make it a big success?

Thailand is already successful it doesn't need any help from Johnny Foreigner. It you don't like open racism you can leave and go to Europe, North America or the finest Australia where they are just as racist but less open about it, oh hang on yes they are open about it too. Hmm America loves the Mexicans and invites them over their borders to work freely openly and honestly don't they? Uk rushing through retrospective laws to stop mass immigration because they too love people coming and taking locals jobs! and Australia well where do you start with Australia. Where is this utopia you are from, Africa? Never a racist soul to be found in Africa is there? Middle east and their open free societies.

But is ok you just moan about a few Russians without passports working illegally and then have the cheek to pull the race card...

"Thailand is already successful it doesn't need any help from Johnny Foreigner." - No, Singapore is successful - Thailand is still a 3rd World Country. Singapore had "Johnny Foreigners" working there years and years ago, and look at the place. Now look at Thailand - the country's biggest "saleable" commodity is sex, via the tourism industry, and sex can sell in any country, it just sells for cheaper here, due to an oversupply, making Thailand popular.

BIG difference.

Edited April 5, 2013 by NamKangMan

[youngXpat]

Everyone knows of the 'CRACKDOWN' going on in Phuket recently regarding foreigners working there, right? Why, oh why was this lady still out there, no passport, no WP trying to sell tours??? SOM-NOM-NA

[judokrab]

Re: "Paying 4 thai workers peanuts for helping out with something couldnt cost that much, especially if your targeting russian money. "

Actually, I understand that they will accept phantom employees - you are only required to make their employee social security payments, not pay a working salary.

Edited April 5, 2013 by judokrab

[youngXpat]

This seems to be turning into a Russian bashing competition again but I think the real issue is here; obviously many high-ranking Thai's were thirsty for the Baht the influx of Russian tourists would bring in. Maybe many people have been bought and turned a blind eye but now, due to the public out cry, realising it can't go on like this or maybe being pressurised from above, are doing an about turn.

Let's stop blaming the Russians, after all, Thailand welcomes them as it does us all but when the foreigner starts to live here gets an easy ride and makes a better living than Somchai, Thai's get jealous and then there are changes. Nothing new here, just different circumstances.

[NamKangMan]

Everyone knows of the 'CRACKDOWN' going on in Phuket recently regarding foreigners working there, right? Why, oh why was this lady still out there, no passport, no WP trying to sell tours??? SOM-NOM-NA

Maybe because they promised her a free flight home, calling it deportation, for the story and photo shoot.

The sacrificial lamb, so to speak.

Edited April 5, 2013 by NamKangMan

[Halion]

This is chicken xxxx. The authorities who are all as bent as a nine bob note are focusing on relative trivia in a region that has severe administrative corruption both within the elected officias and the so called RTP.

Edited April 5, 2013 by metisdead
Profanity

[NamKangMan]

This seems to be turning into a Russian bashing competition again but I think the real issue is here; obviously many high-ranking Thai's were thirsty for the Baht the influx of Russian tourists would bring in. Maybe many people have been bought and turned a blind eye but now, due to the public out cry, realising it can't go on like this or maybe being pressurised from above, are doing an about turn.

Let's stop blaming the Russians, after all, Thailand welcomes them as it does us all but when the foreigner starts to live here gets an easy ride and makes a better living than Somchai, Thai's get jealous and then there are changes. Nothing new here, just different circumstances.

"Outcry" - really. There was a group of tuk-tuk and taxi drivers that attacked a legitimate business for arranging other, more affordable, transport for their customers.

I didn't see a group of Thai tour desk girls "outcry" to police about Russian girls taking their jobs.

[youngXpat]

This seems to be turning into a Russian bashing competition again but I think the real issue is here; obviously many high-ranking Thai's were thirsty for the Baht the influx of Russian tourists would bring in. Maybe many people have been bought and turned a blind eye but now, due to the public out cry, realising it can't go on like this or maybe being pressurised from above, are doing an about turn.

Let's stop blaming the Russians, after all, Thailand welcomes them as it does us all but when the foreigner starts to live here gets an easy ride and makes a better living than Somchai, Thai's get jealous and then there are changes. Nothing new here, just different circumstances.

"Outcry" - really. There was a group of tuk-tuk and taxi drivers that attacked a legitimate business for arranging other, more affordable, transport for their customers.

I didn't see a group of Thai tour desk girls "outcry" to police about Russian girls taking their jobs.

Yes the locals are complaining in earnest about foreigners 'stealing' jobs down there. Have you not heard about it?

[Andre0720]

The open targeting AND reporting of ONLY Russians in relation to work permits in Phuket is racist - even if Russians are the main offenders, the authorities are making it very clear they do not like Russians and do not want them there. What about all the Kiwis, Aussies and Brits all over the country working without permits? I say this because I only ever read about Russians getting their cracks down here, which appears a little one eyed.

I really wish someone in this country (who had the authority to have a voice) stood up to the open racism and xenophobia communicated and demonstrated by the establishment.

When you come to my country, my dearest Thai friends, you can work beside me, you can work above me, or you can work below me - based on your own merits, not your skin color, nor your connections or financial position. How about the same fair deal in your homeland? Do you not love your country enough to share it with those that want to help make it a big success?

'' the authorities are making it very clear they do not like Russians and do not want them there''

Yes very racist. Allowing russians to enter Thailand without requiring a visa. They surely do not want them...

[skorchio]

The open targeting AND reporting of ONLY Russians in relation to work permits in Phuket is racist - even if Russians are the main offenders, the authorities are making it very clear they do not like Russians and do not want them there. What about all the Kiwis, Aussies and Brits all over the country working without permits? I say this because I only ever read about Russians getting their cracks down here, which appears a little one eyed.

I really wish someone in this country (who had the authority to have a voice) stood up to the open racism and xenophobia communicated and demonstrated by the establishment.

When you come to my country, my dearest Thai friends, you can work beside me, you can work above me, or you can work below me - based on your own merits, not your skin color, nor your connections or financial position. How about the same fair deal in your homeland? Do you not love your country enough to share it with those that want to help make it a big success?

10 yrs ago in Phuket there were no Russians. Now there are more Russians than all other Caucasian put together, and they are muscling in on Thai interests. What do you expect is going to happen?

I preferred Phuket when there were no Russians. I applaud the crackdown, these people don't mix integrate socialise or even converse with others who are not Russian. They are some decent looking sheilas amongst them but they are sour faces creatures. But the Thais see the writing on the wall, they are over running the place, moving in on their turf and rather than wait for it to get worse, they are acting. Good job.

[JohnPrewett]

..............., the authorities are making it very clear they do not like Russians and do not want them there What about all the Kiwis, Aussies and Brits ..............

Hmmm, looks like the authorities might [only God knows why] think the Ruskies are [on the average, in general, certainly many exceptions abound] more aggressive and less law abiding than the Kiwis, Aussies and Brits. Just a remote possibility, of course.

Edited April 5, 2013 by JohnPrewett

[BusyBee123]

Thailand is already successful it doesn't need any help from Johnny Foreigner. It you don't like open racism you can leave and go to Europe, North America or the finest Australia where they are just as racist but less open about it, oh hang on yes they are open about it too. Hmm America loves the Mexicans and invites them over their borders to work freely openly and honestly don't they? Uk rushing through retrospective laws to stop mass immigration because they too love people coming and taking locals jobs! and Australia well where do you start with Australia. Where is this utopia you are from, Africa? Never a racist soul to be found in Africa is there? Middle east and their open free societies.

The open targeting AND reporting of ONLY Russians in relation to work permits in Phuket is racist - even if Russians are the main offenders, the authorities are making it very clear they do not like Russians and do not want them there. What about all the Kiwis, Aussies and Brits all over the country working without permits? I say this because I only ever read about Russians getting their cracks down here, which appears a little one eyed.

I really wish someone in this country (who had the authority to have a voice) stood up to the open racism and xenophobia communicated and demonstrated by the establishment.

When you come to my country, my dearest Thai friends, you can work beside me, you can work above me, or you can work below me - based on your own merits, not your skin color, nor your connections or financial position. How about the same fair deal in your homeland? Do you not love your country enough to share it with those that want to help make it a big success?

But is ok you just moan about a few Russians without passports working illegally and then have the cheek to pull the race card...

Thank you for your "Grumpy old man" speech, telling me "if you don't like it you can leave". If you read my posts, I do not reside in Thailand. I do not reside in Thailand because it cannot provide me with the opportunity to succeed as I do in my home country, nor can it provide the salary that my Thai Girlfriend gets here working in a respectable workplace. She used to work at Suvarnabhumi.

Thailand is already successful? That would depend on what you take into account when reviewing its' successes. Yes, it is a major exporter of goods, a major manufacturer of motor vehicles, but as China was 15 years ago, only because of low wages and weak labor laws. This is changing as inflation rises, wages increase and Thais slowly lose their "Thainess" through westernization.

My old boss was from the countryside in India, I learnt to deal with my own racism, appreciate and understand someones skills before judging them. The "Utopia" I am from is New Zealand (again, if you wanted to know you could have just looked at my profile before ripping off the fastest reply possible). There are racists here, both white AND brown. But the laws here protect everyone, not only white, not only brown, not only black.

Please, prior to accusing me of "pulling" the race card, please show me a similar article in the past 2 months of a person(s) of any other nationality within the paradise of Phuket having issues with deportation due to not having the correct work visa on this forum? My point is that the action should be broad, and not one sided against Russian people.

Read, review, research, understand, comprehend. PLEASE!

I'm allowed to be grumpy it's a national sport in the UK as well as moaning about the weather, which is as usual crap.

[NamKangMan]

This seems to be turning into a Russian bashing competition again but I think the real issue is here; obviously many high-ranking Thai's were thirsty for the Baht the influx of Russian tourists would bring in. Maybe many people have been bought and turned a blind eye but now, due to the public out cry, realising it can't go on like this or maybe being pressurised from above, are doing an about turn.

Let's stop blaming the Russians, after all, Thailand welcomes them as it does us all but when the foreigner starts to live here gets an easy ride and makes a better living than Somchai, Thai's get jealous and then there are changes. Nothing new here, just different circumstances.

"Outcry" - really. There was a group of tuk-tuk and taxi drivers that attacked a legitimate business for arranging other, more affordable, transport for their customers.

I didn't see a group of Thai tour desk girls "outcry" to police about Russian girls taking their jobs.

Yes the locals are complaining in earnest about foreigners 'stealing' jobs down there. Have you not heard about it?

Define, "locals."

[youngXpat]

This seems to be turning into a Russian bashing competition again but I think the real issue is here; obviously many high-ranking Thai's were thirsty for the Baht the influx of Russian tourists would bring in. Maybe many people have been bought and turned a blind eye but now, due to the public out cry, realising it can't go on like this or maybe being pressurised from above, are doing an about turn.

Let's stop blaming the Russians, after all, Thailand welcomes them as it does us all but when the foreigner starts to live here gets an easy ride and makes a better living than Somchai, Thai's get jealous and then there are changes. Nothing new here, just different circumstances.

"Outcry" - really. There was a group of tuk-tuk and taxi drivers that attacked a legitimate business for arranging other, more affordable, transport for their customers.

I didn't see a group of Thai tour desk girls "outcry" to police about Russian girls taking their jobs.

Yes the locals are complaining in earnest about foreigners 'stealing' jobs down there. Have you not heard about it?

Define, "locals."

God only knows what beach your head has been in, where have you been?

[Andre0720]

Thailand is already successful it doesn't need any help from Johnny Foreigner. It you don't like open racism you can leave and go to Europe, North America or the finest Australia where they are just as racist but less open about it, oh hang on yes they are open about it too. Hmm America loves the Mexicans and invites them over their borders to work freely openly and honestly don't they? Uk rushing through retrospective laws to stop mass immigration because they too love people coming and taking locals jobs! and Australia well where do you start with Australia. Where is this utopia you are from, Africa? Never a racist soul to be found in Africa is there? Middle east and their open free societies.

The open targeting AND reporting of ONLY Russians in relation to work permits in Phuket is racist - even if Russians are the main offenders, the authorities are making it very clear they do not like Russians and do not want them there. What about all the Kiwis, Aussies and Brits all over the country working without permits? I say this because I only ever read about Russians getting their cracks down here, which appears a little one eyed.

I really wish someone in this country (who had the authority to have a voice) stood up to the open racism and xenophobia communicated and demonstrated by the establishment.

When you come to my country, my dearest Thai friends, you can work beside me, you can work above me, or you can work below me - based on your own merits, not your skin color, nor your connections or financial position. How about the same fair deal in your homeland? Do you not love your country enough to share it with those that want to help make it a big success?

But is ok you just moan about a few Russians without passports working illegally and then have the cheek to pull the race card...

Thank you for your "Grumpy old man" speech, telling me "if you don't like it you can leave". If you read my posts, I do not reside in Thailand. I do not reside in Thailand because it cannot provide me with the opportunity to succeed as I do in my home country, nor can it provide the salary that my Thai Girlfriend gets here working in a respectable workplace. She used to work at Suvarnabhumi.

Thailand is already successful? That would depend on what you take into account when reviewing its' successes. Yes, it is a major exporter of goods, a major manufacturer of motor vehicles, but as China was 15 years ago, only because of low wages and weak labor laws. This is changing as inflation rises, wages increase and Thais slowly lose their "Thainess" through westernization.

My old boss was from the countryside in India, I learnt to deal with my own racism, appreciate and understand someones skills before judging them. The "Utopia" I am from is New Zealand (again, if you wanted to know you could have just looked at my profile before ripping off the fastest reply possible). There are racists here, both white AND brown. But the laws here protect everyone, not only white, not only brown, not only black.

Please, prior to accusing me of "pulling" the race card, please show me a similar article in the past 2 months of a person(s) of any other nationality within the paradise of Phuket having issues with deportation due to not having the correct work visa on this forum? My point is that the action should be broad, and not one sided against Russian people.

Read, review, research, understand, comprehend. PLEASE!

''please show me a similar article in the past 2 months of a person(s) of any other nationality within the paradise of Phuket having issues with deportation due to not having the correct work visa on this forum?''

Well then please show me any other nationality within the paradise of Phuket who flaunts as much as russian do with their signage that can be understood by only themselves.... And flaunt that they do business in Thailand with this signage, who flaunts that they are stealing business from the Thais.

Wish they were a bit mote discreet about it.....

[Bronzepickup]

Thailand is already successful it doesn't need any help from Johnny Foreigner. It you don't like open racism you can leave and go to Europe, North America or the finest Australia where they are just as racist but less open about it, oh hang on yes they are open about it too. Hmm America loves the Mexicans and invites them over their borders to work freely openly and honestly don't they? Uk rushing through retrospective laws to stop mass immigration because they too love people coming and taking locals jobs! and Australia well where do you start with Australia. Where is this utopia you are from, Africa? Never a racist soul to be found in Africa is there? Middle east and their open free societies.

The open targeting AND reporting of ONLY Russians in relation to work permits in Phuket is racist - even if Russians are the main offenders, the authorities are making it very clear they do not like Russians and do not want them there. What about all the Kiwis, Aussies and Brits all over the country working without permits? I say this because I only ever read about Russians getting their cracks down here, which appears a little one eyed.

I really wish someone in this country (who had the authority to have a voice) stood up to the open racism and xenophobia communicated and demonstrated by the establishment.

When you come to my country, my dearest Thai friends, you can work beside me, you can work above me, or you can work below me - based on your own merits, not your skin color, nor your connections or financial position. How about the same fair deal in your homeland? Do you not love your country enough to share it with those that want to help make it a big success?

But is ok you just moan about a few Russians without passports working illegally and then have the cheek to pull the race card...

Thank you for your "Grumpy old man" speech, telling me "if you don't like it you can leave". If you read my posts, I do not reside in Thailand. I do not reside in Thailand because it cannot provide me with the opportunity to succeed as I do in my home country, nor can it provide the salary that my Thai Girlfriend gets here working in a respectable workplace. She used to work at Suvarnabhumi.

Thailand is already successful? That would depend on what you take into account when reviewing its' successes. Yes, it is a major exporter of goods, a major manufacturer of motor vehicles, but as China was 15 years ago, only because of low wages and weak labor laws. This is changing as inflation rises, wages increase and Thais slowly lose their "Thainess" through westernization.

My old boss was from the countryside in India, I learnt to deal with my own racism, appreciate and understand someones skills before judging them. The "Utopia" I am from is New Zealand (again, if you wanted to know you could have just looked at my profile before ripping off the fastest reply possible). There are racists here, both white AND brown. But the laws here protect everyone, not only white, not only brown, not only black.

Please, prior to accusing me of "pulling" the race card, please show me a similar article in the past 2 months of a person(s) of any other nationality within the paradise of Phuket having issues with deportation due to not having the correct work visa on this forum? My point is that the action should be broad, and not one sided against Russian people.

Read, review, research, understand, comprehend. PLEASE!

Please comprehend! Thais don't like Russians.

[Amras]

The open targeting AND reporting of ONLY Russians in relation to work permits in Phuket is racist - even if Russians are the main offenders, the authorities are making it very clear they do not like Russians and do not want them there. What about all the Kiwis, Aussies and Brits all over the country working without permits? I say this because I only ever read about Russians getting their cracks down here, which appears a little one eyed.

I really wish someone in this country (who had the authority to have a voice) stood up to the open racism and xenophobia communicated and demonstrated by the establishment.

When you come to my country, my dearest Thai friends, you can work beside me, you can work above me, or you can work below me - based on your own merits, not your skin color, nor your connections or financial position. How about the same fair deal in your homeland? Do you not love your country enough to share it with those that want to help make it a big success?

Thailand is already successful it doesn't need any help from Johnny Foreigner. It you don't like open racism you can leave and go to Europe, North America or the finest Australia where they are just as racist but less open about it, oh hang on yes they are open about it too. Hmm America loves the Mexicans and invites them over their borders to work freely openly and honestly don't they? Uk rushing through retrospective laws to stop mass immigration because they too love people coming and taking locals jobs! and Australia well where do you start with Australia. Where is this utopia you are from, Africa? Never a racist soul to be found in Africa is there? Middle east and their open free societies.

But is ok you just moan about a few Russians without passports working illegally and then have the cheek to pull the race card...

Hey...what's wrong with Australia? Australians are pretty tolerant, there are always exceptions, but as a whole they are.

I do agree with some people that Thai's business laws are restrictive and holding them back, with the bringing in of skilled people to open business that will benefit locals with new knowledge, better knowledge or better leadership in many areas. If you think Thai's can even compete in many industry's around the world...well......

I personally don't like the Russians, same as I don't like the Chinese, because they are down right rude and disrespectful, but it's due to where they come from. They should be cracking down on them, true. But they should also be making it easier for legitimate business operations to come to Thailand within specific sectors, not around tourism, shop ownership etc.