BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand is pushing back against an official travel warning issued by Moscow, which has suddenly portrayed the popular holiday destination as a risk zone for Russian citizens. Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul stated on Monday that Thailand remains a safe country for travel and will continue to welcome all guests with open arms, despite the explicit caution from the Kremlin.
Minister Counters Russian Warning
Surasak Phancharoenworakul has instructed the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and private tour operators to closely monitor the situation following the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ travel warning issued on Friday. He emphasized that there are currently no indications of a decline in bookings, flights, or travel activities by Russian tourists to Thailand.
Thailand maintains international service standards and is prepared to welcome tourists from all countries as usual. The ministry is in close coordination with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is observing developments to promptly identify any potential impact on the tourism sector.
Russian Warning Targets Potential US Arrests
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had advised its citizens on June 12th to exercise caution when traveling to Thailand, whether for tourism or business. Specifically, Moscow warned of the risk of detention or imprisonment at the request of US law enforcement agencies.
The statement from Moscow even advised individuals who fear US prosecution to avoid transiting through Thai airports. The United States has significantly intensified its surveillance and pursuit of Russian citizens since the commencement of the military operation in Ukraine.
Fears of Pressure and Interrogation by US Authorities
Russia claims in its warning that some individuals already detained have been subjected to pressure and direct questioning by US authorities. Thailand is said to continue to be among the countries where such measures against Russian citizens are ongoing.
Travelers were expressly urged to always carry the contact details of Russian embassies and consulates abroad. This would allow them to request prompt assistance in case of problems during their journey.
Travel Record: Almost 1.9 Million Russians Arrived in 2025
Russia is a significant player for Thailand’s tourism industry. Last year, the Kingdom welcomed nearly 1.9 million Russian guests – more than from any other European country. These visitors are regarded as one of Thailand’s most valuable quality markets.
The trend continues this year: in the first five and a half months, over 979,000 Russian tourists have already entered the country. They contributed over 58 billion Baht to the economy, making Russia Thailand’s fourth-largest source market.
130 Years of Friendship to Strengthen Trust
Surasak highlighted the deep connection between the two countries. Thailand and Russia are preparing to celebrate the 130th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027 – a testament to long-standing cooperation in politics, economy, trade, education, and tourism.
The Thai government is committed to the rule of law, security, and equal treatment for all foreign guests. Continuous efforts are being made to improve support services, such as increased security, better transportation, and the multilingual tourist police hotline 1155, which is available 24/7.
Thailand Remains a Second Home
“I affirm that Thailand continues to be a second home for Russian tourists and tourists from all over the world. We are ready to welcome everyone with friendship, safety, and internationally recognized service standards, as we continue to build trust and provide the best tourism experience to every tourist,” stated Surasak. Relevant agencies in Thailand and abroad are closely monitoring the travel climate among Russian tourists. Coordination with airlines and tour operators is underway to disseminate accurate information and comprehensively regain trust.
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