A group of Ukrainian and Russian tourists gathered together for a rally on the popular beach of the resort island of Phuket to express their negative attitude to Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, speaking for peace.
According to Phuket media, people were holding placards in protest against the hostilities. Slogans were written in both Russian and English. Although Phuket has hosted hundreds of thousands of Russians and Ukrainians for many years, Thai newspapers have not reported any serious physical clashes caused by political differences.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut-chan has not yet expressed his attitude to the events in Ukraine, which, according to experts, puts the country in an awkward position and separates the official from other world leaders who have expressed their position. It is likely that the government led by Prime Minister Prayut hopes that their neutral position will be far more appropriate than the acceptance of either side. Last Wednesday, Thailand’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Suriya Chindawongse, voiced support for a diplomatic solution to the Russian-Ukrainian war, calling the situation “escalating tensions.”
In turn, the state news agencies of Thailand reported on efforts to ensure the safe return of Thai citizens who are still in Ukraine. According to some reports, there were 139 Thais in Ukraine, according to others – 230.
Thai media are outraged by the passive position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the agency has not yet made a proposal for talks between the parties to resolve the dire situation unfolding in Ukraine. Although the Thai media do not hide their position in opposition to hostilities.