reader Posted March 1 Posted March 1 From Los Angeles Times For many years, Chinese tourism fueled the economy of this island paradise, known for its tropical weather, stunning sunsets and foreign-friendly accommodations. But with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Thailand's Phuket Island is transforming into a different kind of getaway: a refuge for Russians fleeing military conscription, political oppression and the economic impact of Western sanctions. Businesses in Phuket — many still recovering from the pandemic — have responded quickly and enthusiastically. Restaurants now serve sweet porridge. Grocery stores sell sauerkraut, borscht and blinis with cottage cheese. Gyms offer ice baths and saunas, while Russian-language signs have popped up around busy parts of town. One entertainment lounge that opened two years ago advertises trivia nights, movie showings and live performers — all in Russian. Phuket is becoming "Little Moscow," jokes Boon Yongsakul, vice president of the Phuket Real Estate Assn. Some of the island's attractions, such as international schools and long-term visa options, have long been a draw for foreigners. But as Western sanctions have made bank transactions and travel through Europe more difficult for Russians, Phuket's cash-friendly real estate market and direct flights from the Middle East have enhanced its appeal. As of 2022, Russia has been the largest source of foreign arrivals in Phuket, according to data from the Phuket Tourist Police. Since then, the number of visitors has quadrupled to 1.03 million annually. Hungry for more tourists, Thailand has encouraged the trend to continue. The Tourism Authority of Thailand aims to attract 2.2 million Russian tourists this year, up from about 1.7 million in 2024. In 2023, Moscow opened a consulate in Phuket to serve the growing number of Russian nationals. “As more and more people realize it’s safe here, the communities get bigger,” Yongsakul said. “They have their own churches, their own businesses, their own food.” Bogdan Martianov, a 25-year-old tech worker from St. Petersburg, Russia, wanted to avoid being drafted to fight in the Ukraine war. So he flew to Argentina and sought political asylum. For two years, he lived and worked in La Plata, an hour’s drive from Buenos Aires. Continues at https://www.msn.com/en-us/general/general/russians-seek-escape-from-sanctions-draft-on-thailand-s-phuket-island-not-everyone-is-happy/ar-AA1zK2IC floridarob 1 Quote
