Russians are going to Thailand: who benefits and who is in danger
Thailand has decided to increase the period of visa-free stay for Russian citizens. This has caused a mixed reaction in the country's tourism industry.
Tourist authorities of Thailand decided to increase the authorized visa-free period of stay for Russians from 30 to 90 days. The innovation will come into force on November 1, 2023 and will be valid until April 30, 2024. The goal is to attract more tourists from Russia. However, the initiative has raised concerns among some tour operators.
Risks for Pattaya tourist business
Pattaya, a popular resort for Russians, is afraid of the influx of illegal workers. According to local tour operators, Russian citizens can use the extended visa-free program to find unofficial employment under the guise of tourists.
Chonburi Tourism Board President Thanet Supornsahasrungsi warns that the influx of Russians could have a negative impact on local guides and drivers. Since most Thais do not speak Russian, tourists from the Russian Federation are likely to turn to compatriots working illegally.
In addition, Thanet said, foreign firms can abuse the relaxation by inviting employees from Russia and using Thai front men.
Benefits for island tourism businesses
Islands such as Phuket and Samui are more optimistic. There, they believe that increasing the length of stay will pay economic dividends, despite the potential for abuse.
Samui Tourism Association President Ratchaporn Pulsawadi is confident that the new initiative will attract not only tourists from Russia, but also remote professionals. It will give a boost to local businesses.
According to Ratchaporn, the cases of using the relaxations for selfish purposes are few amid the growing demand for goods and services.
A similar view is held in Phuket. They also expect Russians to stay longer on the island and spend more money. However, the authorities intend to monitor compliance with the law.
What Thailand expects from Russian tourists
According to data for mid-October 2023, Thailand has already been visited by more than 1 million Russians. And by the end of the year, the country expects to receive 1.47 million people from the Russian Federation.
In addition, tourist authorities are studying options to encourage Russian travelers to visit less popular, but no less interesting regions. This will allow guests from Russia to spend even more time in Thailand and leave more money.
Thus, despite the fears of part of the tourist business, the Thai government expects to make the most of the expansion of the visa-free program for Russians. At the same time, the authorities promise not to allow mass violations of migration laws.
Risks of illegal labor migration from Russia
The expansion of the visa-free regime for Russian citizens is indeed associated with the risks of illegal labor migration. This is especially true in the tourism sector, where the language barrier limits employment opportunities for locals.
Are illegals going to Thailand?
According to the VTsIOM poll of June 2022, 15% of Russians are ready to go abroad for permanent residence, if such an opportunity presents itself. Experts attribute this to the economic crisis and sanctions.
At the same time, Thailand remains a popular destination for Russian tourists and migrants. According to Rostourism, in 2021, 150 thousand Russians visited the country, and in 2022, despite the restrictions - already 300 thousand.
Given these factors, there is a risk that some Russians may take advantage of the extended visa-free regime to try to stay in Thailand for permanent residence, including working illegally.
How to avoid negative consequences
To minimize possible negative consequences, it makes sense for the Thai authorities:
- Tighten border control, identifying potential illegal migrants.
- Strengthen migration control inside the country with inspections of places of work, residence and activities of foreigners.
- Introduce quotas for issuing work permits to Russian citizens in the tourism sector.
- Conduct explanatory work among the local population on the rules of migration and employment of foreigners.
- Stimulate the study of the Russian language in regions with a high tourist flow from Russia.
By implementing such measures, Thailand will be able to benefit economically from the expansion of visa-free travel for Russians while minimizing the risks of illegal migration.
Author of the article: Ekaterina Antonova
