Russians are thriving on Phuket, but the scene feels fleeting

Thailand’s Phuket island has become a temporary haven for tens of thousands of Russians who left after the 2022 Ukraine invasion, with an estimated 30,000 emigres now living there. The community, which includes families like the Mittsels—where Ekaterina Mittsel, 36, ensures her daughter continues Russian lessons—has thrived despite the tropical climate, with Russian saunas, grocery stores, and restaurants serving borscht. Daily flights by Aeroflot and cultural events, including concerts by Russian pop stars, reinforce their presence. However, local resentment has grown over Russians buying property, opening businesses, and allegedly abusing Thailand’s visa policies. The Thai Foreign Ministry did not directly address allegations of visa fraud, but complaints from locals and tourism groups have intensified. Thaneth Tantipiriyakit, president of a Phuket tourism association, noted that Russians, as the largest tourist group, have become a target when foreigners misbehave. The Thai government’s recent decision to halve tourist visa exemptions from 60 to 30 days has added pressure on the Russian community. Around 15,000 Russians on Phuket lack long-term visas, including young men fleeing conscription. Evgenii, a 39-year-old engineer who left Russia in 2022, worked in real estate but had to resign to reset his visa exemption by temporarily leaving Thailand. He now considers moving to Vietnam or returning with a valid visa, calling the process unstable. Many Russians rely on costly workarounds, such as paying US$150 for border runs to neighboring countries to restart their 30-day visa-free stays. Others, like those attending Orthodox church services, use 90-day visas tied to activities like Muay Thai training. The uncertainty has created an atmosphere of impermanence, with few Russians viewing Phuket as a permanent home. The situation reflects broader tensions between Thailand’s tourism industry and foreign visitors, particularly as locals blame visa policies for enabling irregular work and property speculation. For now, the Russian community on Phuket remains resilient but increasingly uncertain about its future in the face of tightening immigration rules.