Pattaya man calls for support to repatriate overstaying Russians

A Thai apartment owner reached out to the Thai authorities to help an overstaying Russian man and his two daughters in Pattaya as they faced financial constraints preventing a return to their home country. The Russian originally fled with his girls to escape the ongoing conflict between his home country and Ukraine.

The apartment owner alerted the Chon Buri Provincial Immigration Office regarding three Russian residents in his condo building who had overstayed their visas due to money problems. He urged authorities to facilitate their journey back, citing concerns for the children’s welfare and quality of life.

Detailing his support for the family with food and financial aid over nearly a year, the owner highlighted the children’s limited mobility, as they had few opportunities to venture outside their rented accommodation for recreation.

Despite the financial challenges, the owner emphasised the Russian man’s devoted care for his children, expressing apprehension that the strain of his circumstances could lead to thoughts of self-harm. Consequently, he sought assistance from immigration officials.

The Russian man tearfully told authorities that he and his children entered Thailand two years ago because he did not want to join the Russian-Ukrainian war. He was worried that his children would be left alone if he was conscripted.

The Russian now wants his children to return to Russia safely but cannot afford the flight for them. He was willing to be arrested and punished for overstaying his visa if his children could return to Russia safely.

An officer from the Chon Buri Provincial Immigration Office, Weerachai Tinkamut, told Channel 7 that he supported the family with 2,000 baht in cash.

The two children are now under the care of the Chon Buri Provincial Shelter for Children and Family while their father was taken to Muang Pattaya Police Station for legal proceedings. All of them will be deported and sent back to Russia after the legal punishment.