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.

  • tim-clark
    29•1 year 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•1 year 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•1 year 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•1 year 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•1 year 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.