A huge influx of Russians in Phuket is producing a backlash from locals, amid complaints of a booming Russian-only economy that covers everything from hair salons to taxi firms.
More than 400,000 Russians arrived on the Thai tourist island between January and July this year, according to authorities, double the number of visitors before Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Many have secured long stay-visas, buying properties and establishing businesses to escape economic turmoil and the possibility of being conscripted following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
That’s 400,000 soldiers for the war effort. Much better they stay on vacation than fight in Ukraine
Surely there must be a way to get them out of the country while making them useless for war?
Break their legs before sending them back?
Where do you think their money is going?