Phuket sees massive Russian migration and real estate surge

Phuket, Thailand, is experiencing a significant influx of Russian migrants and tourists, driven by the desire to escape military conscription, economic instability, and Western sanctions resulting from the war in Ukraine. Estimates suggest at least 60,000 Russians have relocated to the island, which has a total population of approximately 430,000.

This migration has led to the development of a Russian-oriented infrastructure, including schools, a consulate, Russian-language newspapers, and businesses featuring Cyrillic signage. The surge in demand has caused real estate prices to rise sharply, with some reports indicating prices for highly sought-after homes have doubled since the start of the conflict.

The demographic shift has also created local tensions. Residents have reported concerns regarding rising housing costs, competition for property, and instances of illegal business operations. Additionally, there have been reports of cultural clashes and increased criminal activity, including the arrest of a Russian hacker in the region.