Thousands of Russians who fled after the 2022 invasion have built a sizable enclave on Phuket. Estimates put the community at roughly 30,000 expatriates, drawn by cheaper living than Dubai and a calmer vibe than Bali. Russian‑run saunas, grocery stores and Aeroflot flights dot the island, while pop stars add a glossy veneer to the scene, seeking stability for expatriates.

Local resentment has risen as Russians buy property, launch businesses and, critics allege, exploit visa rules. Bangkok‑based tourism officials say the free‑tourist‑visa policy fuels complaints, and the Thai government recently cut the exemption from 60 to 30 days. Roughly 15,000 Russians without long‑term visas now face a $150 fee to reset their stay by crossing the border, creating uncertainty for newcomers.

Entrepreneurs like 31‑year‑old Maksim Shatilov see booming real‑estate commissions; Russian buyers accounted for more than half of Phuket’s property sales in the war’s first year, pushing land values up 20 percent. Yet many families, such as the Mittsels, schedule Russian lessons for their children and keep passports ready, treating the island as a temporary safe haven rather than a permanent home in the long run.