'Russian Refuge' Phuket Emerges as Haven for Those Fleeing Conflict in Putin's War

Phuket experiences an influx of Russian expatriates seeking safety from the conflict in Ukraine and a new life far from Europe's tensions.

Amidst the balmy nights of Thailand's Phuket, an island famed for its beaches and tropical allure, a hidden diaspora of Russians escaping the tumultuous shadow of Putin's war has found an unexpected refuge. For many, these past 18 months have felt like a surreal dream, as lives were upended by Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Aleksei*, who once lived a tranquil life in Moscow, immersed in an IT career amid the city's skyscrapers, now gazes out from his balcony with a mixture of relief and melancholy. Faced with the prospect of joining a war he opposed or futilely protesting in Russia's stifling political climate, he embarked on a one-way journey to Thailand, clutching his meager savings and dreams of a safer future.

The picturesque island of Phuket stood as Aleksei's chosen haven due to its affordability compared to neighboring nations, struggling under an influx of Russian migrants. He is just one of the hundreds of thousands of Russians who fled the war in Ukraine, seeking solace in destinations such as Kazakhstan, Georgia, Turkey, and even more distant Thailand.

Despite the geographical distance, Thailand has witnessed a substantial surge in Russian visitors, some of whom appear to be settling down for the long term. In the previous year, Russians emerged as the leading foreign property buyers in Phuket. Impressively, the first quarter of this year alone marked a 68% increase in property sales to Russian nationals compared to 2022. The value of these properties also soared by 46.7%, a testament to the growing demand, according to the Thai Real Estate Association.

Phattanan Phisutvimol, President of the Phuket Real Estate Association, anticipates a prosperous year for the island's property sector in 2023, with Russians constituting a substantial portion of the clientele. Anna Baranova, who oversees the luxury property agency InDreams Phuket, catering predominantly to Russians, witnesses this exponential growth firsthand. She cites an escalating demand for high-end properties and reveals developers are racing to meet this surging interest.

Baranova acknowledges the changing dynamics in Russian-European relations, attributing the heightened interest in Thailand to the strained ties with Europe. She notes that Russians, previously geographically close to Europe, are now seeking a more receptive environment in Thailand. With a more diplomatic stance on the Ukraine conflict, Thailand presents a welcoming destination for Russian expatriates. Eligible Russian nationals can apply for extended visas through various channels, offering options for those seeking education, business opportunities, or property investment.

Phuket, renowned as a tourist hotspot, has long captivated Russians, evident in the proliferation of Russian signage and amenities across the island. Even in local markets, vendors like Waraporn Tangkaew witness a substantial Russian presence, as they shop for fresh fruits and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture. Yet, the war's influence on migration remains subdued among these communities, with sensitivity overshadowing open dialogue.

While the conflict has drawn lines across families and ignited personal fears, there's a yearning for a new beginning among Russian expatriates. Many are building lives in Phuket, driven by the pursuit of safety, opportunities, and a chance to escape the geopolitical tensions of their homeland. As the world watches the trajectory of international conflicts, Phuket stands as an unexpected haven where Russians forge new lives and families embrace fresh horizons.

For Aleksei, his daily life in a modest condominium is a testament to his pursuit of peace and a brighter future. Working remotely for a Russian company, he is determined to steer his contributions away from funding the war. However, his underlying apprehension stems from the possibility of extradition under a looming treaty between Thailand and Russia.

Amidst the uncertainty, Aleksei's sentiments echo those of countless others who have embarked on this unforeseen journey. "I'm trying to stay positive," he says, even as he grapples with homesickness and the reality that he might never see loved ones again. While the war has left an indelible mark on his family, Aleksei remains hopeful, seeking solace in the miracles that brought him to Phuket and striving for a new life beyond conflict's reach.