Last year, Russians made up the fifth largest group of visitors to Thailand. It seems that this trend will continue. This January, the kingdom of Thailand welcomed nearly 220,000 Russian travelers – the fourth largest group of visitors, after China, Malaysia and South Korea.
In October, the government announced news that made Thailand attractive to Russians. From November to April, they are allowed to stay for 90 days without a visa, an increase from previously only 30 days.
“Dimitri” was one of the people who took advantage of this opportunity. He left Russia in the fall of 2022, when conditions in his hometown worsened and Russia began to encourage conscription of its citizens to participate in the war. He agreed to be interviewed by CNA, but on condition that his identity be kept confidential.
“I fled the war; I moved to Georgia. But my family is still in Russia,” said Dimitri, a father of two. “I don’t have time anymore (to bring them here) because of school, because of financial conditions.”
While living in Georgia, he visited Phuket. He “liked the place” and returned to Thailand after his visa for Russian tourists was extended. He works remotely and regularly sends money to support his family back home.
“Maybe (in the near future) my family will also come here. Or maybe I should go home first to look for a temporary solution. But I haven’t decided yet,” he said. “The conditions are very difficult for our family.”
