Resorts and motels in vacationer destinations corresponding to Krabi and Phuket are not accepting bank cards from Russian friends, according to a Thai PBS World report. The choice comes after 7 Russian banks have been excluded from the SWIFT financial world messaging system, leaving many Russians abroad unable to use their credit cards.
Card providers Mastercard and Visa have additionally announced a suspension of providers in Russia, although Russian banks have downplayed the impact of the transfer. However, the Russian Central Bank has suggested its citizens to hold other forms of fee while travelling. One resort on the island of Phi Phi, in Krabi province, says it’s now solely accepting money payments from Russian visitors.
In Thailand, the Melia Hotel group says a number of Phuket properties have been consulting with the Bank of Thailand concerning the issue dealing with Russian tourists, as they try and find a way to accept funds from their friends.
According to the Thai PBS World report, around 15% of advance bookings from Russian vacationers have been cancelled since the US and the EU launched harsh sanctions in opposition to Russia, following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Until recently, Hilarious was welcoming around 700 Russian guests a day under the Test & Go entry scheme. Since the start of March, this has dropped to fewer than 400 a day. Russians historically favour the seashore locations of Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui, through the months of March and April, with most staying for between 7 and 21 days. Since Thailand’s re-opening on November 1, over sixty three,000 Russian visitors have arrived within the kingdom, generating round 1.4 billion baht in tourist income..g