How Russians are moving to Phuket en masse
Due to the sanctions imposed against Russia and restrictions on travel to Europe, wealthy Russians in search of a comfortable vacation have flocked to the Thai island of Phuket. According to the island's tourism association, this year Russians have become the main source of tourists in Phuket, overtaking even the Thais. If last year the island was visited by about 80 thousand Russian tourists, this year this figure has already exceeded 300 thousand and continues to grow rapidly.
Especially noticeable influx of tourists in the high season from November to April. At this time, all hotels on the island are full, airfares skyrocket. Russians gladly pay any money just to get to the coveted tropical island. Some rich tourists even rent private planes to get to the island.
As noted in Phuket travel companies, Russians like the local climate, cuisine, affordable prices and the possibility of a comfortable vacation all year round. There is no language barrier on the island, everywhere you can communicate in Russian. This is a strong contrast to the cold winter in Russia, where many resorts are closed for several months.
At the same time, Russians do not just come to Phuket to relax for a couple of weeks, many buy real estate here and stay in Southeast Asia for an indefinite period of time. According to real estate agencies, last year sales of villas in Phuket increased by 80%, with half of them purchased by Russian citizens.
The average portrait of a buyer is an entrepreneur in his 30s from Vladivostok or another Far Eastern city. But recently more affluent Russians from Moscow and St. Petersburg have shown interest in Phuket. They see the island as an ideal place for permanent residence of their families.
Adaptation of Phuket infrastructure for Russians
The huge influx of Russian tourists and new residents requires adaptation of the island's infrastructure to their needs and habits. At Phuket airport there are announcements in Russian, many store signs are now dubbed in Cyrillic. Traditional Russian dishes like borscht and pancakes can be bought on the streets along with Thai food.
Several Russian restaurants, bathhouses and entertainment venues have opened in Phuket over the past year. Especially popular are bathhouses - Russians gladly indulge in their favorite pastime, remembering their homeland. Traditional restaurants with cuisine of pancakes, dumplings and schnyas are also in demand.
For lovers of cultural recreation on the island regularly come Russian pop stars and even theaters on tour. They successfully perform in front of full halls of compatriots. Tickets for such events are sold out in the first hours, despite the high prices.
Russians settled in Phuket miss their homeland and are happy for any opportunity to immerse themselves in the familiar atmosphere. Therefore, local entrepreneurs are trying to meet this demand.
It is obvious that Russians came to Phuket for a long time and the island will actively adapt to their needs. It can already be seen that the Russian diaspora is forming a kind of a small Moscow in Phuket, where you can feel at home.
The impact of the Russian influx on Phuket's economy and life
While the influx of Russians has a positive impact on Phuket's economy, creating new jobs in tourism and services, it also has some negative consequences. The surge in demand for housing and basic necessities has led to inflation and higher prices for locals.
Overcrowding occurs, increasing the number of vacationers on beaches and visitors to attractions. Tickets for boats and excursions around the island are constantly sold out, having to be booked months in advance. At the same time, Russians often displace tourists from Europe, who used to prefer to vacation in Phuket.
There is a shortage of Russian-speaking staff on the island - waiters, guides, drivers and other service workers.
In addition to economic difficulties, the rapid influx of Russian migrants leads to social tensions. Local Thais sometimes feel disadvantaged because of the language barrier and cultural differences with newcomers. There are conflicts on domestic grounds and clashes of mentalities.
Nevertheless, Phuket authorities welcome Russians, as their money gives the island economic stability and allows to develop infrastructure. Phuket is turning into a new Mecca for wealthy Russians who are ready to pay any price for comfort and security. And this is more important than the temporary difficulties of adaptation.
Author of the article: Ekaterina Antonova
