The report in Al Jazeera on Wednesday (Sept 6) stated there is an increasing backlash from local residents who are concerned Russian tourists are taking jobs typically reserved for Thais, operating illegal businesses and inflating real estate prices, making it increasingly difficult to rent property on the island.
Official statistics state that there have been more than 400,000 Russians arrive in Phuket between January and July this year, double the number of visitors from the country before Russia’s war against Ukraine, which started in February 2022.
Phuket has emerged as a safe haven for many Russians fleeing the fallout of the war in Ukraine, especially as many other countries around the world effectively introduced bans on Russian visitors.
Many have set up business on the island, buying properties and securing long stay-visas, while Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, officially opened the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Phuket at Royal Phuket Marina on July 15.
There have been a spate of Russian-only businesses emerging using Russian-only language and instances of illegal workers being detected, such as the bust Phuket Immigration carried out on July 18 in Cherng Talay when they arrested three Russian women for working illegally at a beauty salon.
“We’re affected by these Russians who came to run the whole tourism business,” Prayut Thongmusik, the president of the Phuket van drivers’ club, which represents 200 tourist minibus operators, told Al Jazeera.
“They drive personal vehicles that have not been registered with the Thai transport department as service vehicles, picking up tourists who book them through a Russian app, offering nearly 20 percent cheaper fees than us. They make sure all the roubles stay with the Russians.”
The influx of Russian nationals only looks set to increase, with no signs of the war in Ukraine abating and a recent Phuket tourism roadshow held in Moscow attracting representatives from more than 80 travel agencies.
Of greater concern to the island’s residents is the threat of gangland violence rearing its head on the streets, such as when a Kazak national opened fire four times in broad daylight on 44-year-old Russian businessman Dmitry Aleynikov outside a cafe in Boat Avenue on June 7.
However, authorities sought to clarify the report and relay any fears at the official press conference held at the Phuket Immigration Office yesterday, overseen by Police Major General Sermphan Sirikong, Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police and Immigration Bureau Police Colonel Thanet Sukchai, who were joined by representatives from the tourism industry.
General Sermphan explained that in the past five years there have only been three crimes involving Russians citizens where police have arrested the offenders in question, adding that most disputes were business related and no suggestion of a mafia presence has ever been detected.
General Sermphan also said that the number of long-term Russian tourists is very small and has not had an impact on inflating the island’s real estate prices, while confirming that regular checks are made by police on taxi operators and none have been found to be operated illegally by Russians.
However, Colonel Thanet explained that checks would become more stringent in the coming months to ensure no foreigners are staying illegally on the island, particularly after new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed a free-visa travel privilege for Chinese visitors on Monday (Sept 4) in efforts to further boost the country’s economy.
Colonel Thanet stressed the importance of the notification of residence according to the Immigration Act 1979 to be able to verify the address of people renting properties. A total of 401 foreigners were caught on overstay during the month of August, according to Phuket Immigration, 94 of which were Russian.
General Sermphan concluded yesterday’s press conference by stating that the authorities were aware of the people’s concerns and would continue to work with them to address any major issues.
He also added that complaints of such a nature can be directed via the Traffy fondue application or by contacting the Phuket Provincial Immigration hotline number, 087-911-5850.