Someone within the Russian community needs to show some leadership and explain the other side of their story. On the face of it, many Russian expats have failed to adapt to Thai culture from the onset and this has lead to Thai peoples' worse fears about their real objectives.

Posted by MK1 on January 28, 2013 09:28

.....and when a local resident hits a Russian it gets swept under the table! "It's your fault- if you weren't in my country I would not have hit you!" I'm not very keen about all this bandwagon anti-Russian sentiment at the moment- I guess they are starting to feel the pinch of tourists getting tired of rolling over. roll on the Second Russian Revolution.

Posted by Mister Ree on January 28, 2013 09:41

Close all the farang business including the Best Western Hotel and mini golf and all Western Resorts and bars, so that the locals can go back to a peacefull life of fishing!!

Posted by Anonymous on January 28, 2013 09:46

Ahh! Competition not a word understood in Thailand.
Now tourists, just give us your money, that sounds about right.

Posted by rich on January 28, 2013 09:47

It will be interesting to see if Phuket reclaims its Thai business status over the next few years. Either they stop Russians now or be over run.
I have 5 yrs til retirement. I'll either move to Phuket or Chang Mai. The Russian businesses will be a serious factor. I like the Thai way of life and enjoy supporting their businesses.

Posted by John on January 28, 2013 09:49

I do hope it is a meeting and issues are discussed rather than a shouting match and demands issued as is often the case. Such action sees the authorities cave to those shouting the loudest and the issues are rarely resolved for the long-term.

Posted by Duncan on January 28, 2013 09:52

are they going to find its like Karon where 16 out of the 17 businesses were found to be Thai owned and using Russian people in the front so they could get the tours and explain to the customers directly

Posted by Michael on January 28, 2013 10:05

what foreigners not obeying thai law, we just emulate the thais

Posted by isaanlife on January 28, 2013 10:14

John, i totally agree with you..who wants to come to Phuket, if it becomes a mini-Moscow?.Russian signs, Russian menus, and grumpy people that don't smile, and are not friendly? Chiang Mai is sounding better now.

Posted by Anonymous on January 28, 2013 10:30

To clarify....Best Western Bang Tao is not foreign owned. It is owned by a Thai family.

Posted by Ciaran on January 28, 2013 10:37

Over the years noticing more Russians (no shirts) not adapting to the Thai Culture, disrespecting appropriate dress for Temples, arguing over prices of massages, food. They are not spending on Thai restaurants only 7-11.

Posted by KamalaRed on January 28, 2013 10:57

A few weesks ago I reacted on the russians regarding that fight in Surin and get verbally agressed by the compatriots living in Phuket. It is easy to stop te Russian colonisation
1. No russians signs allowed in Phuket streets
2. Check there work permits
3. Educate them before arrival over what you can do and not do in Thailand, its just about education.

I as a foreigner working and living here adapt, they have to do the same otherwise take conclussions and stay in Russia.

Posted by Eric on January 28, 2013 11:34

John and Anonymous- a lot of people feel the same about the influx of Australians post-Bali- just because they speak English not Russian doesn't mean there aren't good as well as bad elements, as seen by last week's murder attempt in Soi Sansabai. And if you think they are not up in Chiang Mai you obviously haven't been there recently.

Posted by Mister Ree on January 28, 2013 12:16

I am working here in Thailand for the last 19 yrs, and I have to say that the last few years, the Russians are invading Thailand. I don't mind them being here, but its very disturbing when they are shouting, no smiles, always arguing over price, and pushing people aside to get there first. Plus it's no use to start an argument with most of them, as they don't speak English. Hmmm, I guess I don't like them after all...

Posted by Charles on January 28, 2013 12:47

Oh come on! It is not about where you come from, it is about how you are as a human being! now the Russians are under the light because they are many but rude and unpolite and not respecting the 'thainess' belong to each country indeed.

Posted by Olly on January 28, 2013 13:07

Why do the russian women always take their bikini tops and sometimes bottoms, off on Kamala beach and Surin beach. Yes I have photos for you pervs out there? I thought the practice of nudity on the beaches and in particular, Muslim areas, is strictly prohibited in Thailand? Or is Phuket exempt from these rules? Police wakey wakey.

Posted by Duncan B on January 28, 2013 13:25

What is happening now in Phuket is not good. The Russians can not behave like ordinary tourists, basically think they can do anything and no respect Thais and tourists, in a few years it will be the Russians controlling Phuket and no tourists want to go there more. An economic disaster for Thai and it's already so expensive to live in Phuket.

Posted by Thomas on January 28, 2013 13:33

To be honest,i have not heard about anything positive about the russians in Phuket. Of course there is exeptions among the newrich russians among those who invest in property like crazy with unbeliveble overprizes. My broad contactnet with everything from hotelowners to the girls working on the streets and bars are having the same opinion. The russians are rude and cruel about every service given. To see a couple of russian families buying drinks in seven and then occupying the nearby restaurant causing fights says almost all.

Posted by One Expat 13 years on January 28, 2013 14:07

They even play Russian music at Hard Rock Cafe these days..Which is weird, HRC is supposed to be a place offering consistency when it comes to the general concept. Drunk Russians doing Cossack dancing while the idiot band plays russian "faster and faster" music just sucks.. BIG time

Posted by christian on January 28, 2013 14:27

Signs say "Don't like competition!"

Russian business aside, the low cost Russians are what Phuket headed to a long time ago. And a lot of people here warned about it. The natural beaches gone, the scams, the public transport a mess, traffic unbelievable, unchecked growth, random urbanisation, unchecked corruption everywhere. All lead to the exodus of for example Western European travel prone higher middle class tourists to Phang-Nga and Krabi or away from Thailand to more exciting fresh places like Myanmar or Cambodia. But that does not mean, that it will stop. No. In a tourism product lifecycle, Phuket is right know in the late stage of a cash cow. But not as sustainable as one might think.

So better be nice to the Russians (and Chinese). They keep the party goin'.

Posted by Lena on January 28, 2013 16:24

I walked out of a 7/11 the other day after buying a coke, two yoghurts and a big juicy pie and was met by a russian beggar. He said hey pal I have not eaten for three days can you spare something for me. I said yes and then told him that I wish I had his resolve and walked on.

Posted by Duncan B on January 28, 2013 16:57

Some good comments made by all. Having brought a condo in Phuket and planning to be there one week in every five i am not keen on what i have seen. i know a few Aussies that have brought a bar here and there but the Russians are not buying one try 30 or 40 business outlets. I dont think this is at all healthy for the future of Phuket. It would be nice to have some Russian feed back but i dont thnk the Russian Mafia are into that. It will be interesting to see how things go but I think it will be to the detriment of Phuket and its people.

Posted by chaseable on January 28, 2013 16:58

During my last trip to Phuket, I saw a Russian using a credit card in 7-11 to pay for 6 beers approx 200 baht! Hilarious except that it held everyone else up for 10 minutes whilst the staff worked it out.

Posted by Logic on January 28, 2013 17:39

Karma phuket you reap what you sow. I bet you wish all the nice western farangs weren't leaving you to the mercy of the eastern Europeans,Turks and Iranians the very tourists the so called people in charge here want to bring in their droves to your now tarnished island paradise as the future for phuket's tourist industry cheap nasty and violent enjoy.

Posted by Scunner on January 28, 2013 18:30

I think putting up Russian businesses in Thailand is totally taking away the reason to go to Thailand! Why would I fly to Thailand for a relaxed beach holiday to eat at a Russian cafe? Absolutely ridiculous, all tourists (Aussie, Russian, whatever) welcome but DO NOT take away the Thai flavour!

Posted by KD on January 28, 2013 18:30

Content aside, personally I'm impressed by the quality of the banners. Well written, legible and with no spelling mistakes. Well done that person.

Posted by Anonymous on January 28, 2013 21:02

So many Anti-whatever.

John's comment is hilarious. You want to retire in Phuket because of Thai Culture. Well, some bad news for you. Phuket contains little Thai Culture. It's now a Tourist Island.

Maybe you need to move to Buriram or Sisaket to enjoy this Thai Culture you seem to Crave for.

The saddest and funniest part is - People think they have more right to be in this country than another foreigner. That's just sad and pathetic.

Posted by Tbs on January 28, 2013 22:15

Dear MK1, my name is Sergey, I am that guy from 'within the Russian community who wants to explain the other side of this story. I am here in Phuket for 18 years on holidays and for the recent 4 years in property business. My business partners and friends here are expats from US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia and of course Thais and Russians so I believe I understand more or less what's going on here.
Like every one of you I do not like rude, uneducated or drunk people of any nationality and low-paid Russians from cheap charter tours are not that much different from any other newcomers here from some remote areas of any other country. I would be happy to tell you more about Russian tourists and to comment some of the above posts next time but I am now about the article in question.
To start from, most of so called ''Russian'' businesses are Thai owned (thanks, Michael!). And, for example, one of the biggest and well established travel companies here (associated widely with Russian tourists) is Turkish owned. Wherever one sees Cyrillic letters in a shop's window he or she might think this is a Russian business. No way. These are Thai and (yes!) Western businesses who just want to get cashy Russian clients!
Frankly, I've got no idea about what happened with Alex Tour and what was the immediate cause for the events in question. I want just to share some general insider's thoughts regarding why Local residents are against ''Russian'' business.
First, i'?s all about money. That easy. Nobody welcomes competition here. What happened on Karon ''Russian'' businesses offered massage for 250 baht compared to 300 Baht all around. Guess, what was the customers behavior provided the quality of the services was the same? (same-same, you know? Same Thai girls from Issan doing massage everywhere?).
Second, why Russians are on fire? I believe this is mostly about the Russian language. Russians are distinctively visible among other 85% of foreigners who mostly speak English. Could you fight with all foreign businesses here? No way. So who is the easy prey? Right, those who are different and newcomers here ? Russians.
Third, are Russian businesses so numerous? Not at all. A small proportion of all foreign businesses here.
They are just more visible? My statistics for Russian owned business in Phuket:
Travel agencies ~10% of the market, Restaurants 5%, Real Estate Agencies 10%, Property developers - 2-3%, Hotels/guest houses 3-4%.
Forth, are Russians so dangerous? Yes, they are. In business sense. Generally Russian businessmen are better educated, have better international exposure, and it's easier to do business here for Russians than for most of traditional westerners.
Finally, some comments on what was already posted (business issues):
1. Thai business to be overrun by Russian business? Not serious. Only 3 to 10% of all businesses here are Russian...
2. No Russians signs allowed in Phuket streets? Come on. Why not English, French, German, Italian? Just because you can't read Cyrillic? What about Arab script then? Or Chinese?
Have you been in Galerie Lafayette (in Paris) recently? They broadcast everything in three languages: French, English and Russian.
3. Why would you fly to Thailand to eat at a Russian cafe Frankly, I don't understand either.
But I believe it could be curious for some of non-Russians who never been in Russia. No objections to Italian Pizza of French Bistro in Phuket? By the way, French word bistro is a Russian word meaning ''quickly''. It was brought to Paris by Russian Cossacks (remember Hard Rock cafe Believe me, I do not like drunk dancing too) in 1813
Thank you, any questions/comments welcome, and my next post about Russian tourists.

Posted by Sergey on January 29, 2013 06:17

These Russians are getting out of hand. first off they are extremely rude and now they have Russians selling tours in Jungceylon at the old Joe Conrad booth. i see Russians at tour booths on Nanai rd.
every where i go i can't get away from these people.

Posted by Randle on January 29, 2013 09:05

Go on Sergey ! You are my new hero !

Posted by James on January 29, 2013 09:20

Comment from Sergey:
Russian businessmen are better educated, have better international exposure, and it's easier to do business here for Russians than for most of traditional westerners.

Sergey, because you guys have money makes you not educated..! You just use your dirty money from russia and invest in thai properties. I call this dirty money laundry..., you guys think you are very smart and you think the world belong to us (Russians) again wrong.
Suggestions: wake up ...Sergey and calm down

Posted by Farrang on January 29, 2013 10:02

Well written Sergey, thank you for your side of the story. I do believe there is a solution here, we just have to find it.

Posted by Robin on January 29, 2013 10:10

Sergey, all those percentages of Russian business in Phuket you posted, are as of this year..They just got started!.Lets revisit in 3 yrs and see where its at..

Posted by Anonymous on January 29, 2013 10:31

Thank you Sergey, some perspective was really required. People have short memories. In the 70's the big complaint was Japanese, then the Tawainese, the Koreans and now the Russians. When a countries population begins to travel they generally create these problems due to lack of knowledge, however as we have seen with the other countries as they achieve a higher level of sophistication the behavior and attitude always improves. I have no doubt that the same will apply to the Russian tourists over time.

Posted by Tom on January 29, 2013 10:59

Sergey's comment is the only one worth the text, what a bunch of ex-pat bigots. No surprise there. Keep in mind many nationalities are speaking Russian, too

Posted by Media Watcher on January 29, 2013 12:11

I think Phuket is going the way of Pattaya. It can't be stopped. Just have to wait for the islands to open off Burma and we can once again enjoy the beautiful Andamen Sea

Posted by Damien on January 29, 2013 14:22

If I may I have one more thing I would like to point out. In Australia in the 80's Xenophobia was reigning supreme with media and the man on the street screaming that the Japanese were buying the country. When independant sources checked the details they discovered that in fact the largest percentage of foreigners who owned land/condo's were from New Zealand. I find it somewhat amazing that so many expats have the same level of xenephobia, and as this is Thailand and they are not citizens why? I only know one Russian national who is a particularly nice person and yes I have seen the bad side also but some of the racist comments I see are embarrasing. To accuse all Russians of laundering money here is simply outrageous.

Posted by tom on January 29, 2013 16:56

Well said Sergey. It's nice to see things from both sides. It's a shame the media can't do the same.

Posted by colin on January 29, 2013 18:51

The bottom line is the Russians will never be liked by the Thai people now.
I have lived in Phuket for a longtime, with many longtime Thai friends..

The Thai people are the nicest people in the World, but if you cross them,and they decide not to like you, its OVER..

The word is out on the Phuket coconut grapevine, that the Russians think the Thais are not smart...Thais are not happy about that, believe me..

Posted by Anonymous on January 30, 2013 00:10

Thank u sergey putting our stupid farang brothers right. They have no idea what they are talking about. Why would anybody prefer to jabe more mates with tatoos and muscle shirts here rather than russian families. We love the russians. Once you get to know them they are lovely people and loyal customers.

Posted by Russianlover on January 30, 2013 00:51

hehe, thai's go learn some old things..
nice, they began with "russian businesses" and will end with you my dear pensioneer expats. it's a question of time, btw you deserve it.

Posted by Gene on January 30, 2013 13:47

Brilliant said Sergey! Thank you for comment

Posted by Lada on January 31, 2013 23:01

I would like to say to the fat russian woman in yellow tiny shorts, who pushed me into the shelves in Home Pro in Chalong yesterday, thanks for nothing. You have cracked my elbow dimwit. You give all the good russians a bad name.

Posted by Inky on February 22, 2013 11:17

I just came back from Chiang Mai -Chiang Rai are. It felt like heaven as soon as I touched down there. Not a Russian in site nor a Russian sign posted over a Thai restaurant. I never thought of Russians one way or the other until they started showing up in hordes in Phuket. Now I find I find I detest them. Maybe it is some hidden American propaganda thrown at me as a kid coming out in my adult life, but I do not think so. They are the most unadaptable people I have ever met.They isolate themselves and therefore Isolate the areas they congregate at. I worked and was brought up on the sea-so I thought Phuket would meet my retirement needs. However my visit to North Thailand has changed all of that. I am out of Phuket and I feel like I am being driven out by the Russians. Somehow I feel they will never take to North Thailand. At least I hope not, because that is where I am moving.

Posted by capealava on February 26, 2013 23:52

Personally ....i have not been going for almost 4 years to Thailand because of the russians and whilst that does not change i will not spend any holidays or $$$$$ money there.

Posted by Marcus on June 2, 2014 02:02