Opposed to Putin's war in Ukraine, Russians find exile in Thailand • FRANCE 24 English

[@vgshwk]

This is nothing new Phuket has become st. Phuketsburg.

[@steveburke7675]

Many long term Phuket expats have already moved to other locations in Thailand.

[@nhardy2480]

That's why I left- it's a Russian hell hole now

[@captlove8788]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@CalvinK-the_old_fogey]

Decades ago, it was Western (mostly Americans & Germans) and Japanese. Currently, it’s the turn of the Chinese and Russians. I notice more and more more Indians so don’t be surprised. It is just cycle of life … the Circle of Life … 😂

[@WAWACreations]

@@vgshwk I know it is a joke but here we call Phuket little Ukraine as it was invaded by the Russians as well

[@BangkokZed]

1. You can't work in Thailand unless you have a proper visa and work authorization. 2. A foreigner can't own a business in Thailand there must be a 51% Thai ownership in any company. Many foreigners were deported from Thailand for cutting hair, doing makeup, taxi services, being a tour guide etc. etc.

[@packageism]

Actually you are incorrect. I am married to a thai. We have a small business and I have a legal work permit. We do not run a company. We run the business via my wife's name and we both pay taxes

[@lucca_lee]

​@@packageismthat because its the benifit of marriage to a Thai person you cant have all of that without marriage certificate, these people in the VDO are surely not, they might bribe the officer in order to what they do but technicallt its still illegal its a matter of time theu going to be kick out so are you keep that certificate tight and dont divorce

[@joebidet2050]

​@@packageismhe is correct You have legal status

[@BangkokZed]

@@joebidet2050 Exactly, 1. You have visa and work permit. 2. The business is under your wife's name, so she's the majority owner. Everything is OK. But if a foreigner come to Thailand, they can't open a claypot making or pickleboard business under their own name.

[@adammitchell3462]

While the bulk of my sympathy is with Ukraine but I've never considered how opposing Russians may feel about the war. It needs to stop!

[@spateri728]

Many 'Russians' I've met over there literally are from Ukraine or they have family there. Many others just hate Putin and the 'dual citizens' that Russians feel they are. There is Moscow and then the rest of Russia. They hate Putin but what can they do when everything is rigged against them. Plenty get deported though.

[@SD-cs1ti]

@@Укрыниксы Why are you afraid of it? So you have such an invincible army

[@peabase]

@@Укрыниксы You've got it backwards. Take your Orc troops out of Ukraine and it all ends.

[@Kwippy]

We Thai people warmly welcome peaceful Russians and Ukrainians alike, and not just because they bring money, we have been good friends for a long time.

[@SD-cs1ti]

Like the Swiss during the war , friends with everyone, we understood

[@eliotness4029]

we have been good friends for a long time. with anyone who has money

[@eliotness4029]

@@SD-cs1ti Like the Swiss during the war , friends with everyone, who has money

[@SgtCake101]

Do you also like the fact that the Russians start businesses in Thailand but only hire other Russians not locals and send the money back to Russia?

[@LewisC-g4i]

Do they mostly work selling their bodies for money?

[@GuapoDelmonte]

I used to live in Thailand, for several months at a time, there was at that time, about 10-15 years ago, the "Westerners", who the Thai's call the "Farangs" which stems from the French rule (Francais-Farangs) You could say that they were mostly Australians, Brits, Americans, French, Belgiums, Germans, Dutch, Scandinavians, as well as other Europeans, and then there was Russians, who kept to themselves, had their own Nightclubs, stripclubs, bars, restaurants, shops, and even their own "streets" where they lived, sometimes called "Little Russia", and I can assure you the Thai girls, much preferred the "Westerners", every day of the week, every day of the year, as they were overheard saying that the Russians had the personality of a "pork chop", that the Russians had the persona of a "mannequin", that the Russians had the conversation skills of a "glass eye", that the Russians had the sense-of-humor of a "tumor", that the Russians were liked - about as much as chopped liver, eaten raw. This is just what I heard people saying, maybe that's why they kept to themselves. Back-in-the-day, plenty of "farangs" frequented Thailand, nowadays plenty of Russians & Chinese have planted in Thailand, like a pre-planned military invasion. I bet the Thai's miss the old days. Note: the Ruskie/Nine-Line-China, have even bought themselves units, townhouses etc. as did some Westerners in the past, the difference being, that the Westerners would go back, work for months at a time, come back into the unit, living by themselves, drink beers, eat Thai food, hang-out with the Thai girls (mostly from Isan) while the Ruskie/Nine-Line-China Communist Bloc, have 10-20 people staying at the unit, always someone is there - 24/7, it is never empty, when those 10-20 people go home, another 10-20 people take their place. IT IS NOT WHAT YOU CALL HOLIDAYS.........IT IS SOMETHING ELSE, MUCH MORE SINISTER, IT CAN BE CALLED A CREEPING INVASION.

[@rufanuf1]

You only got one thing wrong. A lot of Thais like chopped liver. Even uncooked.

[@fdtk]

ค่อนข้างตรงเลยครับ และตำรวจประเทศไทยก็หย่อนยานมากๆด้วย

[@fjdkfdfjdf33]

It's no the "ukraine war" it's the Russian unprovoked war against Ukraine.

[@1Query1]

This is truly remarkable unprovoked thinking.

[@wanderlust0120]

Its Putin's unprovoked all out aggression against a peaceful and democratic Ukraine

[@well9179]

Oh yeah...dude....nice sarcasm

[@q5go84q]

It's military operation

[@danielwhyatt3278]

Here here. That’s what it should be called. Calling it just the ‘Ukraine war’ suggest that it’s a war that is merely only happening in Ukraine and doesn’t have anything to do with or impact the rest the world. Something which is completely untrue.

[@dw7647]

Putin trolls here in the comment section jealous of the Ukrainians and Russians enjoying freedom and peace in Thailand

[@BruceJ999]

😂😂You should become a comedian

[@perspicasity]

@@BruceJ999 90+ comments step away from the internet you’re obsessed

[@semajoseph8048]

Until you say or do something the Thailand government don't want then you will realise there is no such freedom

[@eliotness4029]

Ukrainians enjoying freedom and peace in Thailand, nobody sends them in meat grinder

[@Spaceballz123]

Just a matter of time till the trolls get their mobilization summons 😂

[@darkbendover]

Breaking News: Putin declares war on Thailand to protect the Russians in Thailand from harm.

[@eliotness4029]

Russian population lives in Crimea since 1773. do u want to rewind back? but USA was declared in 1776

[@rmdomainer9042]

@@eliotness4029 Nice syntax "Eliot", btw, you spelled your name wrong, vatnik,

[@rufanuf1]

@@eliotness4029 Whats the USA got to do with it? The people of Ukraine dont want to be Russian subjects any more than most Russians from what most of the civilized world can see.

[@johnnydoe3603]

Soon Putin will Claim that Thailand was Part of Russian Empire. 🤣🤣

[@Ron-pm3qk]

Don't worry, lots of Israelis there too so hard to know if its a promised land?

[@antoniussamuelson3748]

​@@Ron-pm3qkas israeli, we israelis never see or claimed thailand as promised land. Where do you got that ides?😂

[@well9179]

Thailand was part of Cambodia, that a fact. Malaysia should retake Southern part of your country.

[@ohlyshed]

They can take any poosey but do not take our land.

[@gurkhasnep]

That's the strategy mate to take over another country

[@jenihansen7201]

I am so happy that the Russians who left, are in Thailand. I wish them peace and harmony

[@tractordamage5272]

They're ruining Phuket and beyond. The Russian Ego is now a big problem for Thais...and minimal research would discover this. It's a major topic here in Thailand. Why are all mainstream media so out-of-touch with Reality?? It's amazing.

[@volkerhartnegg8211]

i dont like places with too many russians. they alway cause trouble.

[@stoomkracht]

What a happy reporting going on. They are all there on temporary tourist visa's. They are not allowed to work. They are not allowed to own land (no foreigner does here sadly). Schools and day care are not expensive unless you choose international style. A lot of shady businesses in those spots. And we see hippies. Thailand is in no way offering asylum. And shady Russian "businesses" were already a thing before in certain places here. What they do is invest money in local businesses and hope they don't get screwed. Many are in the end. Hence it also attracts mafia types. O you see a select few westerners in the "entertainment" industry openly. Anyway very selective and picturesque reporting. Is this an advertorial for run awayers?

[@antonbeloborodov5130]

I guess this island is like speical place in Thiland where you can run shady buisness. Foreigner in Thailand normally not allowed to do this

[@mainro.s]

Does Thailand not have strict visa rules anymore? I'm surprised they have not been deported for being there illegally.

[@q5go84q]

No one asked your opinion on this

[@mainro.s]

@@q5go84q No one asked for your input either karen

[@mainro.s]

​@@q5go84q If you are so bothered by a simple legitimate comment I made on the matter, then you clearly have issues.

[@WAWACreations]

if you have lots of money you are most welcome, all kinds of visas are available.

[@dueyduey1611]

In Thailand, There are the strict law but the enforcement is other story. Thai Police always corrupt and being lazy to do their job.

[@davidboskett5581]

I just wonder how they support themselves.Thailand is a cheap place to live but not many people want to learn Russian often an easy way many foreigners earn a living. I am afraid many will engage in non legal enterprises.

[@nhardy2480]

Exactly- that's what's happening here in Thailand

[@Matt-th9dl]

Pray for Thailand

[@phatsuwasopha7325]

don't pray for us. keep your eyes on the western world as it keeps falling apart.

[@bnarit]

Pay, would be welcome.

[@chrishammond7079]

I live in Thailand and take go through hoops to maintain my O/A Visa I wonder how these uner 50 Russians remain here after there TOURIST visa expires... I forgot Russians have no consideration for employment or immigration laws

[@okinwonderland9734]

Student visa 😂. I know some young Russians who got student visa to learn Thai and English. Thailand are land of opportunities to learn new things😂.

[@rufanuf1]

@@okinwonderland9734 Or borders. or anything else of a civilized nature.

[@Spaceballz123]

Do you think Russians care about international borders 😂

[@TheBodiesInTheWaterBeckons]

As a Thai doe. I found both Russians, Ukrainians and in some sense Westerners in general to be quite aggressive. A polar opposite to Thai's "Sabai Sabai" culture.

[@WAWACreations]

I live in Phuket and can assure you that many see Putin as a God but never the less want to avoid conscription, can't blame them for that.

[@bnarit]

Then, we are thinking of his Annexation.

[@rufanuf1]

Absolutely can. I just hope they all run out of money and have to leave

[@Spaceballz123]

Nah they'll just take over phuket

[@chtrvra]

They are all over in southeast asia.. a rusiyan village in samal island Philippines

[@lucklife3967]

Phuket is now Little Russia.

[@andre8860]

Oh yes it really is

[@Spaceballz123]

Phuketstan comrade

[@yevonsama]

It is happening in Vietnam,too. Both Russian and Ukraine. The trouble is, we don't have any way to find job for them. Many of them try to survive by selling street food. The way Europe refuse to accept Russian refugees is ridiculous. They only push them back to Putin, and then blame them why they let Putin force them to fight in the war.

[@rufanuf1]

Wrong. The only way they will help Russia is from inside Russia. Ive met hundreds of Russians, on the whole they dont care much for the rest of the world unless it suits them.

[@bobbybannerjee5156]

Good to know that all people in Russia aren't vile. That's not to say that most of them are not.

[@anyetitan8410]

Is everyone in the west nice?

[@BaBaYaga1999-p7u]

@@anyetitan8410we are realistic.

[@PickleThePig]

😂

[@E_O_S_]

Wow u must have travelled all over Russia to have such great knowledge of the people 🤡

[@peabase]

@@E_O_S_ It's said that every country has the government it deserves. That's true for Russia at least.

[@น.ธ-ท1ฉ]

This world is enough for everyone. But it is humans who are not enough. 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@okinwonderland9734]

True

[@tompell3032]

to be balanced, you should also cover the story of Ukrainians opposed to Zelensky's war find exile in Bali.

[@LuisMartinez-st8zr]

With the interest rates in Russia at 21% and ruble worth 1.04 USD I don’t blame them, Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 and I wish for a free russia soon! 🇷🇺

[@well9179]

Yeah.....happy to you. Russian and Ukrainian are the same breed, look at their behavior.

[@peabase]

Huh? The ruble is worth 0.0092 USD. Not even a cent, in other words.

[@peabase]

@@АртёмЛепехов No, why? I make sure not to have any business dealings with Russia, directly _and_ indirectly. Also, I make it a point to boycott companies that still do business in Russia.

[@eliotness4029]

and now much costs your hrivna. can u exchange it ?

[@LuisMartinez-st8zr]

@@eliotness4029 ruble is now at 114 for every $1 USD 😂 I’ll gladly take that Ukrainian money, what a great morning!! 🤣🤣

[@dancemaniac3868]

I met a young man here with his wife and baby. They left Moscow in a rush and came through Mexico to seek asylum in the US. He has gotten a draft letter and refused to go fight Ukrainianians. The sad thing is they haven't been able to see their parents since and they've never met the baby in person.

[@An1Kum]

They are chilling there in winter vacations. While Ukrainian men age 21 to 60 cant leave the country. Several hundred have died trying to escape.

[@IfyOky]

Propaganda overdrive

[@lovelybitofbugle6762]

Absolutely! No Russian would dare criticise authority. They're cowards.

[@escziva69]

Nobody asked you, bot

[@igosannuffin7565]

You should make a video about the urkanians who are taking vacations in Germany with tax money

[@smartasskickass4260]

Vacations? they are working like everyone else

[@ruuuuudooooolph]

lol.... watch the complete video Id!ot 🤣 there is a ukrainian also interviewed.

[@esQmo]

@@ruuuuudooooolph How classy

[@YellewBhee]

Should visit Koh Samui ….Shaloms are there

[@claytonmorada]

So? You're being paid to spread propaganda...

[@hemantharayalu7462]

No program regarding? People who left Ukraine so they don’t participate in war, lol

[@RobertsonMilkshakes]

Its sad what war does to people like that me i cant get enough if it doesn't as long as it helps the people inside

[@gordon.Jacko1055]

Yes, I’ll definitely take Phuket off my bucket list 🥴

[@acmelka]

It is risky to say you are working at anything when on a tourist visa. They will deport you. I hope this video doesn't cause them any trouble

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

Tons of illegal russian businesses and overstayed but they don't seem to ever catch them 😂

[@peabase]

Plenty of digital nomads in Thailand.

[@acmelka]

@peabase they have a visa for that

[@peabase]

@@acmelka Yeah, tourist visas mostly. I used to be one of them. I didn't mind the visa runs one bit.

[@WAWACreations]

@@peabase no there really is a digital nomad visa now, it just requires lots of money

[@voranartsirisubsoontorn]

People all around the globe do not think like their leaders when it comes to unnecessary fight, I guess.😊😊😊

[@ЕвгенийНовак-в7ю]

By the way, there is no such Russian name "Nata"

[@huskydogable]

It's a diminutive of Natalia, dopey.

[@BaBaYaga1999-p7u]

Literally no one cares.

[@whatever-s3e]

It's still Putin's war ?? LMAO

[@peabase]

Sure, and only Putin's. It's absolutely vital for his self-preservation.

[@sirloin869]

like germans fleeing to argntina

[@RobertsonMilkshakes]

Believe it or not life on a tropical island or archepilego is not all that its cracked up to be

[@kenwongsa5273]

Many more Russians in Pattaya, enjoy your stay, it’s warmer in Thailand:)

[@SeemoreDunkan]

What if Putin decided “They treat Russians bad there”? ❤

[@konanninja]

Welcome to Thailand 😁🤩🥰

[@hourbee5535]

Nice place to be an exile!

[@SiameseFatcat]

Sawadee kup thank you please visit my beautiful country 🙏🏼🙏🏼🇹🇭

[@user-km2bz8iy5o]

Ask what the people in Bali think of the Ukrainians and Russians

[@JackSmith-gv5yw]

No they don't. They will get sent home because of strict enforcement of visa rules.

[@well9179]

And send them to frontline

[@nhardy2480]

No they don't! They stay illegally and often work illegally as they have little to offer

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

Thailand don't care for whatever reason but will reject many other nationalities to enter if come too many times too fast back too back .

[@NicoI]

you should have the same documentary in Montenegro.

[@Oleksandr594]

On what legal basis they stay there? Did Thailand provide an asylum for them?

[@tractordamage5272]

Russians are causing massive problems here in Thailand. Mafia crime, thuggery, taking over Thai jobs and housing. Russians are now the most hated group in Thailand. These journalists utterly clueless, as usual. Koh Phangan is full of fake Hippies and Ravers, and therefore they're the only harmless Russians.

[@onlinme7884]

watch the full video for the answer

[@nhardy2480]

No tourism visa, then they become illegal overstayers

[@forlua9211]

Thailand did not sign the UN Refugee Agreement since the country was surrounded by war-torn countries namely Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia. However, there are many types of visa that the foreigners can apply for a long term stay.

[@christopheropio3656]

What about Ukrainians who oppose Zelensky? Please interview them too

[@SeptikAvenger]

We apparently don't exist.

[@captainchaoscow]

I think it's nice that poeple take interest finaly in Ukrainians. They always ask about their casualties. People don't ask about Russian men dying at the front.

[@TerryRodrigue-l3b]

They oppose Zelensky for defending the Ukrainian border?

[@ashishIMpro]

@@TerryRodrigue-l3b They would oppose him and his cronies for deceiving them into believing the west would come to save them, overthrowing their democratic government through violence, and inviting war to their land by spreading reckless rhetoric rather than seeking diplomacy to restore confidence among various civilian and political groups within the country.

[@Tran5513]

For forcing them to fight a war they want no part of​@@TerryRodrigue-l3b

[@well9179]

There are many russian exile in Sourt East Asia, you can make story for all of them. And they are happy about that if their country cease to be exist.

[@jtnguyen8105]

Get them out

[@PXX-t1j]

Koh Panang, just another tourist place!

[@2005atifsamin2]

Astrology session 😂!WHO's goona win ask him plz

[@naturesworld8399]

They should move to Argentina.

[@q5go84q]

Zelensky will move there next year

[@thenotoriousgryyn342]

I hope that Mother gets permission to work soon, to help her son.

[@naunjanamphaiphit1767]

I hope all russians find life without problem about financial ❤

[@ArandomIndian30]

Ideally they should move to Argentina 😅

[@NoyYon-bb2uq]

555😂 your safe in 🇹🇭

[@sergueimikhail9654]

Why won’t you show Ukrainians who are opposed to the 2014 coup in Ukraine?😊

[@ip7658]

because you are dolboyob. Hope this helps 😊

[@peabase]

No can do, that's an entirely fictitious proposition.

[@rufanuf1]

Ahhhh the needle in a haystack propo

[@byzughtfarnault2519]

Russia can get out But Ukrainian can not

[@rufanuf1]

Nicely put, and a fact.

[@FMFvideos]

It seems a lot of people there speaks russian. Maybe they will have a special operation soon.

[@RobertsonMilkshakes]

Putins ballarinas will appear everywhere they are welcome. We have concern for them too

[@lukaszpawlowski6078]

Why does this reportage seems like a parody

[@reelssuperstars69]

Hahhaha what a propaganda, Russian are living there from ages, they have business and their Thailand life

[@TerryRodrigue-l3b]

Clearly you have no first hand knowledge. The influx is real. Nothing wrong with them moving there, but just saying they have always been in such huge numbers is just not true. I wish them the best

[@reelssuperstars69]

@TerryRodrigue-l3b I Live in Thailand from last 10 years hero, Don't teach me

[@tonyk7943]

Not that they are opposed to war in Ukraine they scared to fight for their country😂

[@tonnyanthonys2159]

East or west home is best

[@E_O_S_]

Prices gone through the roof in Thailand now cos of all d Ukrainian Israelis and Russians ,as d Burmese live in squalor

[@GHOST-dl3ve]

I hate this kind of citizen who doesn’t respect great leader like PUTIN 🇮🇳🇷🇺

[@glintongordon6811]

See women and children left too

[@D-E-S_8559]

She wants her child to grow without propaganda and with freedom---well maybe she can get those in Thailand but not in the west. In the west you are only free if you agree to the choices and opinions that they already approved for you; the illussion of freedom is quite surreal....

[@shawns0762]

Put down the crack pipe

[@D-E-S_8559]

@@shawns0762 You think you have freedom when a state can arrest you for holding "the wrong view" or supporting the wrong peoples and their govts...???

[@shawns0762]

@@D-E-S_8559 You go through life filled with hate not knowing it has nothing to do with you or reality

[@nickpope8056]

Don’t be silly, Russians absolutely adore Mr Putin!!!

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

Mostly they would gladly bend over for his small one

[@au3264]

Yeah. And who's changing the tide in russia then? Ow yeah, the siberian bears. They're still soar over the macho putin pics but not allowed on planes to pataya.

[@miniemouse5826]

Welcome Russians and Ukrainians.I hope they are safety

[@HTtwentyten]

Great, now report on the Ukrainians finding exile until their leader becomes sane enough to make negotiation legal again.

[@donfarang]

You mean appeasement? That usually doesn't work out very well for long.

[@laloelsalamanca]

Traitors

[@ЕвгенийНовак-в7ю]

Heavy propaganda. To begin with mobilization... There is none

[@universeslap]

Sure. It is special meat grinding operation. No mobilisation.

[@ЕвгенийНовак-в7ю]

@@universeslap Right, poor guys being taken from the streets right to the trenches all over the country from Lvov to Odessa. This is insane...

[@stanleycampbell4147]

5:10 we are not ONE , we are different and i want safe borders with neighbours and especially with Russians. No sympathy at all from Georgia, Russia is Occupant 🤮

[@THETRUTH-BR]

Thailand is a BRICs member. Normal.

[@peabase]

Not yet. But will BRICS countries have visa waivers for one another? Yay, that goes a long way in solving our refugee problem.

[@wiruncha3395]

both russians and ukrainians flee to Thailand, they do not fight each other here.

[@angelinaly135]

See, they’re friendships in Thailand they don’t hate each others in war.

[@RamonDesantis]

Plenty of Russians in the Philippines as well. They have KZbin channels there who do not support the War of Ukraine.

[@SanyHand]

Russian in PH very small compared with Thailand. 1.2 millions Russians live here in Thailand and 200,000 Israeli still here.

[@stillness0072]

War of Ukraine??

[@pauliejojo8241]

Many Russian and Ukrainian villages are also being introduced in the Philippines, especially on the beautiful island of Samal near Davao City. Their children are studying for free in many public schools nearby. And many have been able to stand alone having their businesses prosper since they can rent land and transform it as rental hostels for backpackers or foreign tourists. There is also an influx of retirees abroad especially from the US and UK after Donald Trump got elected in office. Also, Jews came to the Philippines during the war in the Middle East and found their paradise on the beautiful island of Palawan, especially in El Nido.

[@sidisme5566]

Thai goverment should make some passageway for refugees so they can earn and work regarding the single mother it hurts

[@jamesmartin1895]

always take care of your new home, peace be with you all 🙏❤️✌️

[@engineeranonymous]

Unless you are the engineer responsible for designing the engine of Oreshnik missile, I don't think Putin will care some artists exile in Thailand.

[@peabase]

Russia has been actively preventing software engineers from leaving. We hired five. I bet they're earning us more money than your Oreshnik ever will.

[@falcatafalcata1617]

Choose to live in a free and democratic country of the King of Thailand 😂😂😂😂

[@ldiablo9921]

Sergey is a coward.

[@ParinandVarnasavang]

Welcome to my country, Thailand.

[@joebidet2050]

❤THAILAND

[@RobertsonMilkshakes]

Its a daily struggle dawn til dusk in paradise of the day a

[@kory2578]

Z🇷🇺

[@ก้อบ.sukirin]

ตอนนี้ประเทศไทยมีคนมากมายหลายสัญชาติมาอยู่เยอะมากคนที่มาทำตัวดีก็ไม่ว่าเเต่คนที่มาเเล้วสร้างปัญหาไทยก็จับส่งกลับทั้งหมด

[@pavyjohal]

Nice propaganda 😂😂😂

[@donfarang]

Bit of a fluff piece but didn't spot any obvious propaganda. Can you elaborate?