Russia’s foreign ministry has urged its citizens to avoid all travel to Thailand, both for tourism and business, citing what it calls a coordinated US effort to target Russians in the country. The ministry warned that Washington is using bilateral extradition agreements to conduct a 'hunt’ for Russian nationals on Thai soil.
The advisory, issued on June 12, 2026, marks a significant escalation in Moscow’s attempts to restrict travel to one of the most popular holiday destinations for Russians. For years, Thailand has been a top choice for Russian tourists seeking warm beaches and affordable vacations, but now the Kremlin claims that even a transit stop at a Thai airport could lead to detention and extradition to the United States.
According to the Russian foreign ministry, the US has been running special operations in Thailand aimed specifically at Russians who have come under Washington’s scrutiny for various reasons. The ministry alleges that these operations are conducted without proper coordination with local authorities, effectively turning Thailand into a danger zone for Russian citizens.
Moscow warns of US 'hunting’ operations
In its official statement, the Russian foreign ministry said: – Unfortunately, this popular country, which is friendly to us, remains one of the places where Washington has unleashed a real 'hunt’ for Russians. – said the Russian foreign ministry in its published warning. The ministry did not provide specific evidence of ongoing US operations but linked the threat to Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The warning suggests that many Russians may not even realize they are on a US watchlist. The foreign ministry stated that individuals connected to sectors under sanctions or involved in economic activities that have drawn US attention are particularly at risk. It advised all Russians to reconsider any plans to travel to Thailand, including for work, vacations, or layovers at Thai airports.
Historical precedent and current risks
The Russian foreign ministry specifically referenced the case of Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer arrested in Thailand in 2008 at the request of the United States. Bout was extradited to the US, where he spent over a decade in prison before being exchanged for Brittney Griner in 2022. Moscow now warns that similar scenarios could unfold for other Russians traveling to countries that have extradition treaties with the US.
Thailand and the United States have a bilateral extradition agreement in place, which the Kremlin argues makes the Southeast Asian nation a particularly dangerous destination. The ministry urged those who must travel to carry contact information for Russian embassies and consulates in case of detention or legal trouble with local authorities.
The advisory is likely to impact the tourism industry in Thailand, which has long relied on Russian visitors. However, Moscow’s message is clear: the risks of traveling to Thailand now outweigh any benefits, and citizens should seek alternative destinations or avoid international travel altogether if possible.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
