In Phuket, a significant number of Russians have established a community following their departure from Russia after the Ukraine invasion. This enclave is home to an estimated 30,000 Russian émigrés, who have chosen Phuket for its affordability and welcoming atmosphere compared to other destinations like Bali and Dubai. Ekaterina Mittsel, a 36-year-old mother of six-year-old Alisa, exemplifies this community. While waiting in a school pickup line, she recounted her daughter’s busy schedule, which includes choir, gymnastics, and Russian lessons, a nod to their potential return to Russia.
The island has transformed, showcasing numerous signs of Russian culture, including specialized grocery stores, Russian saunas, and cuisine like cold borscht offered at beachside eateries. Daily flights from Aeroflot further connect Russia and Phuket, highlighting the strong ties.
However, the expansion of the Russian population has sparked local grievances regarding property acquisitions and business operations, with accusations of visa policy misuse. The Thai Foreign Ministry has not directly addressed these allegations. The recent reduction of the tourist visa exemption period from 60 to 30 days complicates matters for many Russians, particularly the estimated 15,000 currently residing on the island without long-term visas, including those avoiding conscription.
Evgenii, a 39-year-old engineer who left Russia in 2022, shared his experience navigating the local visa system after resigning from a real estate job to comply with visa regulations. He, alongside other younger Russians, often attends Orthodox church services and faces challenges with expired visa exemptions, sometimes resorting to costly border runs to reset their visas.
Thaneth Tantipiriyakit, president of a local tourism association, highlighted rising discontent among Thais regarding the visa-free policy, particularly as Russians constitute a significant portion of tourists. This sentiment mirrors similar frustrations in Bali, where Russians had previously found refuge.
The influx of Russian buyers has significantly impacted property prices, with Russians accounting for over half of property sales in Phuket during the war’s first year, causing a 20% increase in land prices, according to Thailand’s Real Estate Information Center.
Maksim Shatilov, a St Petersburg native and real estate broker in Phuket, reported a boom in business since the war began, stating that Phuket offers a rare sense of freedom for Russians today. Despite his success, Shatilov, along with his Ukrainian wife, does not see Phuket as a permanent home due to safety concerns regarding a potential return to Russia.
In this environment, venues like Come Leo Come, a Russian-themed supper club in Bang Tao, reflect the community’s affluence, attracting guests who enjoy a lavish dining experience. Yet, many, including Shatilov, remain uncertain about their long-term future in Thailand.
Source: The Business Times
