Russian mafia tries to gain a foothold in Hua Hin
They are impossible to get out of Pattaya, they have dug themselves so deep. And in Phuket, the Russian mafia also knows its stuff. The quiet Hua Hin (with the summer residence of the royal family) was spared until recently, but the gentlemen are now also trying to get a foot in the door there.
Recently, a man reported to the owner of an establishment in Hua Hin's bar district. He introduced himself as a representative of the Russian mafia and suggested that the bar owner pay a fixed monthly amount. The man was laughed at and shown the door. A few days later he returned, accompanied by three companions, also Russians.
The well-built bar owner ignited in anger and, with the help of a few bystanders, managed to get the gentlemen out. He informed the Russians that one phone call to a friendly motorcycle club was enough to get a few dozen members in full military gear to his bar.
Reportedly, other operators of catering establishments in Hua Hin have also been approached by the mafia. It is not clear whether any of them have fallen on their knees. The number of Russians in Hua Hin is increasing rapidly, although they are usually relatively young couples with children. They often stay in Thailand on an 'educational' visa. Many people wonder what these Russians live on.
A senior police officer, well known to the bar owner, reassured him. If the gentlemen reported again, the entire police apparatus was ready to intervene. “In Hua Hin, the Russian mafia is not getting a foot on the ground. There is only one mafia and that is the police. We don't tolerate competition," he said.
We should not think that every Russian is a mafia figure because that is nonsense. The majority are poor or middle class Russians who are lured here with a large subsidy. I know of cases who spend a week here for 250 dollars, including ticket and hotel, and buy a water or beer at 7 eleven. But the Thais themselves brought them in with nice promises and cheap offers. But if there had been no Russians, half of Pattaya would have gone bankrupt, because Dutch tourists no longer have any money to go on holiday. They have few good manners and etiquette, but it doesn't bother me much and they should not exaggerate.
So if it doesn't bother you, we can't say anything? I have nothing against Russians or anyone. I have a thing for organized crime and that's what my posting was about.
The post is about extortion. No off-topic Russian discussion please.
Moderator: Your comment is off topic.
Moderator: Your comment is off topic.
The post is about extortion. No off-topic Russian discussion please.
The post is about extortion. No off-topic Russian discussion please.
The post is about extortion. No off-topic Russian discussion please.
The post is about extortion. No off-topic Russian discussion please.
The post is about extortion. No off-topic Russian discussion please.
Reading this post, I know exactly which bar it is. This is about the Irish bar where a live rock band plays every night. It's my favorite bar when I'm in Hua Hin and the owner is a lovely welcoming Irishman. I have seen the motorcycle club (not Thai) sitting inside the bar several times, it is better not to get into a fight with them, they are sturdy (I think) Scandinavian guys.
Because most commenters use this posting to restart a discussion about the presence of Russians in Thailand, we are closing the comment option.