A huge influx of Russians in Phuket is producing a backlash from locals, amid complaints of a booming Russian-only economy that covers everything from hair salons to taxi firms.

More than 400,000 Russians arrived on the Thai tourist island between January and July this year, according to authorities, double the number of visitors before Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Many have secured long stay-visas, buying properties and establishing businesses to escape economic turmoil and the possibility of being conscripted following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

  • balls_expert
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    1 year ago

    It’s easier to have ethics when you’re stably immigrated from 3 generations ago with the security that a roof over your head and a social net brings

    • MaybeItWorks@sh.itjust.works
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      1 year ago

      There’s definitely a lot of truth to “A man is only as good as his conditions allow him to be.” However, that’s not really a good excuse to emigrate to another country and not respect the cultural norms of where moving to.

      • balls_expert
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        1 year ago

        You’d rather have them be drafted and participating in the war economy against Ukraine?

        War is an excellent excuse to emigrate to another country, and then your condition of refugee is the following good excuse to fail to respect the cultural norms where you’re moving to

    • tim-clark@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      That is such a shit take on this. Because of adversity it justifies a lack of ethics? Seriously? This sentiment is a major part of social issues.