According to statistics, 233,000 Russians have arrived on Phuket Island since November.
As a result of the influx, housing prices are skyrocketing as wealthy middle-class arrivals buy or rent to stay indefinitely on residence visas.
speak to SunNikolai, 25, said he had traveled between Thailand, Cambodia and Laos to avoid conscription.
He said: “This is not my war. I never voted for Vladimir PutinI can’t stop the war by being there Russiabut I will do all I can, and with all my earnings I will never join his army and never fight Ukraine“
read more: Putin is at a knife edge as arrest warrant could ‘expedite his dismissal’
Another Russian, who wished to remain anonymous, said the “wave” of young men was “not to be missed.”
On the other hand, British tourists in the area are also noticing. 39-year-old Michael Shackleton said, “In Pattaya you can’t move for a Russian man of fighting age.
Reports say there has been such an influx, with local restaurants now printing menus in Russian and English.
The influx announcement comes as the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant for the Russian president. Vladimir Putin.
Courts have accused him of war crimes and focused on the illegal deportation of children. Ukraine To RussiaIt is written that these crimes were committed Ukraine From February 24, 2022.
In a statement, Prosecutor Kari AA Khan KC said: Belova is criminally responsible for the illegal deportation and deportation of Ukrainian children from the occupied territories. Ukraine against the Russian Federation, contrary to Articles 8(2)(a)(vii) and 8(2)(b)(viii) of the Rome Statute;
He added: “As I said in Bucha last May, Ukraine is a complex and extensive crime scene for alleged international crimes. We will not hesitate to file further applications for arrest warrants if evidence is required. “
The war crimes investigation continues.
