Popular Thailand Resort Revolts Against Russians

People are furious about the inflow of Russian citizens.

Thai residents are concerned about the inflow of Russian emigrants to the country. Thais complain that Russians are taking their jobs, opening illegal businesses and committing crimes.

Those Russian citizens who are fleeing mobilisation amid Russia's war in Ukraine are being granted long-term visas without obstacles. This was reported by Al Jazeera, whose journalists assessed the sentiment in society.

The residents of the resort island of Phuket and the city of Bangkok suffer most of all from emigrants. Here Russian business creates serious competition to local entrepreneurs. For example, Russians offer cheaper services or taxi rides.

"Property prices have risen sharply, which, although it is good news for owners and realtors from Thailand, has made life difficult for tenants. Russian-speaking businesses have appeared, often operating through Russian-language apps and staffed by people working illegally. There have also been reports of Russian sex workers," the article said.

Residents of the island complain that Russians have started to run the tourist business and are pushing competitors who have been in the market for a long time. Moreover, the emigrants do not even use the local currency, introducing prices in rubles.

"They drive personal cars that are not registered with Thailand's transport department as official vehicles and pick up tourists who book through a Russian app, offering a price almost 20 per cent cheaper than us," said Phuket Minibus Drivers Club president Prayut Thongmusik.

Thais complain online saying the authorities should step in and act in the interests of the country's residents rather than "visitors" trying to make money in Thailand while businesses in Russian Federation are suffering from sanctions.

In order to settle public sentiment, the law enforcers, to whom the angry Thais appeal, have started detaining and fining Russians who open illegal businesses or otherwise violate the country's laws.