Russia has begun luring Thai nationals into the war by promising “safe” service in the Zabaykalskyі region
Recruiters from the Russian Ministry of Defense are calling on Thai nationals to join the Russian army; Russians living in Thailand have started encountering relevant advertisements on social media.
The agency “T2R – Promo” is offering “interested Thai citizens” aged 20 to 58 the chance to sign a one-year contract with the Russian Armed Forces, promising that they will not serve “on the front lines.”
Under the terms, Thai recruits would be responsible for ensuring “security at and around a strategic facility” within units focused on “logistics, security systems, technical support, and drones.”
No prior military experience or Russian language skills are required; instead, volunteers are promised 2.5 million baht (6.3 million rubles) for a year of service, along with free air travel to Russia, covered food and accommodation, and the opportunity to apply for Russian citizenship upon completion of the contract. A representative reached via the phone number listed in the ad stated that recruits would be deployed to a unit in the Zabaykalskyi region.
“The risk is quite low, and safety is guaranteed. The specific position and unit to which the recruit is assigned will be determined after the contract is signed,” the agency claims. According to recruiters, volunteers might be assigned to guard facilities, handle “equipment maintenance and servicing,” and perform “drone-related tasks.” The agency did not explain why the service would take place specifically in Zabaykalskyі region, a region thousands of kilometers away from the Ukrainian border.
A Russian army representative stated that they need personnel to “shoot down drones,” as UAVs are “attacking targets across the country.” He noted that contract soldiers from Thailand could be deployed for tasks such as supply delivery and protecting military camps from drones, though specific duties cannot be guaranteed in advance.