Russian nationals blocked in Thailand

Russians stranded in the south eastern Asian country due to the western sanctions imposed over their country's invasion are struggling to find flights and financial resources to return to their homeland.

Over 7.000 Russian nationals are currently blocked in Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya or Krabi for reasons as flight cancellations, the collapsing rouble, non-functional Mastercard and Visa cards and SWIFT bank system limitations.

Yuthasak Supasorn, Thailand's Tourism Authority chief commented on the situation:

"We have to be good hosts and take care of everybody. There are still Russian tourists on their way here."

Most of the stranded tourists are currently in Phuket.

"We've asked hotels to reduce prices and extend their stays," declared Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, the island’s tourism association president, while adding that a few hundred Ukrainians are also blocked in Phuket due to closure of most airports in their country.

Authorities in Thailand struggle to use Middle Eastern airlines’ flights to Moscow in order to help tourists safely return home. They also consider allowing cryptocurrency for payments.

Thailand has not yet imposed any sanctions on Russia, despite voting for peace during the UN Security Council more than 2 weeks ago.

Thailand is a popular destination for Russian nationals.

 

Source: edition.cnn.com