The armed conflict in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Russia have had an impact on visitors from both countries. Thai authorities in Phuket have offered assistance to affected tourists as the island continues to welcome visitors from Ukraine and Russia.
Authorities in Phuket, including immigration officials and those from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), are providing assistance to tourists facing hardship due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. The conflict, along with sanctions imposed on Russia by several countries, has impacted the ability of Russian tourists to withdraw money or conduct credit card transactions.
From March 1 to 27, Thai authorities offered visa extensions, accommodation discounts and alternative flights to 1,830 Russian and Ukrainian tourists on the island.
The TAT Phuket office has also opened a dedicated call center for affected tourists, while working with the Russian Consulate in Phuket and the country’s Embassy in Bangkok to offer further assistance.
As of March 27, 8,545 Russians and 1,184 Ukrainians have opted to extend their stay in Phuket, with the province continuing to welcome additional visitors from these two nations.(NNT)
