Locals on tourist resort island claim Russians fleeing fallout of the war in Ukraine are stealing Thai jobs.

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.

  • @dharmasnakeEnglish
    64•10 months ago

    They do that in Goa too. They’re the worst. They steal business and opportunities from locals left and right and are rude and belligerent to everyone, especially locals. I had no opinions about Russians before travelling there in 2015, but I certainly do now.

    • tim-clark
      29•10 months ago

      My opinions on Russians are based off the ones that immigrated to the US in the late 90’s. After doing business with a few, I will never sell or buy anything from a Russian. They lie, steal, deceive, threaten, and overall rip you off any way they can.

      Granted there are plenty of Americans I feel that same way about. Just have never met a Russian with any sense of ethics. Doesn’t matter male or female everyone has been a disgusting human with how they treat others.

      • Echo DotEnglish
        9•10 months ago

        They live in a society that is based on corruption. Literally the only way to get anything done in Russia is to be corrupt.

        To take bribes is the norm.

      • @[email protected]
        3•10 months ago

        It’s easier to have ethics when you’re stably immigrated from 3 generations ago with the security that a roof over your head and a social net brings

        • @[email protected]English
          3•10 months ago

          There’s definitely a lot of truth to “A man is only as good as his conditions allow him to be.” However, that’s not really a good excuse to emigrate to another country and not respect the cultural norms of where moving to.

        • tim-clark
          0•10 months ago

          That is such a shit take on this. Because of adversity it justifies a lack of ethics? Seriously? This sentiment is a major part of social issues.