Thousands of Russian tourists in Thailand are struggling to return to their country, bearing the brunt of international sanctions imposed on Russia due to the war in Ukraine, Thai authorities said on Sunday.
Russian tourists have been among the most likely to return to Thailand's resorts since the easing of Covid-19 health restrictions, but many now find themselves without a return ticket.
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A total of 3,100 Russians are stranded in Phuket, while just over 2,000 are in Samui and smaller numbers in Krabi, Phang Nga and Bangkok, said Tourism Authority official Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya. Thailand.
Thai authorities are working to help those wishing to return home, he said, including conducting "
discussions on return flights which could be regular or special flights
".
Although Thailand has not banned Russian flights, international airspace restrictions have seen some companies - such as Russian flagship Aeroflot - cancel routes, leaving affected tourists to seek routes on their own alternatives, for example via the Middle East with different companies.
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Thousands of Russian tourists had stormed Thai seaside resorts after the relaxation of sanitary measures MLADEN ANTONOV / AFP
Many tourists have also been affected by the suspension of Visa and Mastercard operations.
“
We have seen cases of difficulties in card payments by Russians in Phuket
,” said Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, chairman of the Phuket Tourism Association.
In this context, the authorities are considering adopting the Mir system - a Russian electronic funds transfer structure - as well as digital currencies, the official added.
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