Pattaya: Southeast Asia’s most Russian city
- 5 years ago
Pattaya, a city 150km (93 miles) south of the Thai capital Bangkok, is a very popular tourist destination. Despite a shady reputation for its nightlife, the city is “home sweet home” to an estimated 50,000 Russians, who are more or less permanent residents attracted by Pattaya’s sun, cheap lifestyle and relaxed visa policy.
In the past ten years, people in the Russian community – which is far from homogeneous – have created their own offshore economy, catering to their expat and tourist compatriots alike.
The South China Morning Post got a chance to meet some of Pattaya’s Russian residents.
In the past ten years, people in the Russian community – which is far from homogeneous – have created their own offshore economy, catering to their expat and tourist compatriots alike.
The South China Morning Post got a chance to meet some of Pattaya’s Russian residents.