Footage shows how Russians have taken over a Thai coastal resort - flocking to the country to avoid being called up to the war with Ukraine.

Shops, massage parlours, cafes, restaurants and visa agents have added Russian signboards catering to the influx of holidaymakers arriving from their communist motherland.

A tailor even used pictures of leader Vladimir Putin looking dapper in navy outfits to advertise its suits in a clear bid for Russian custom.

The video shows families and young men of fighting age on the beaches of the coastal city of Pattaya this morning, March 22. The island of Phuket in the south of the country is another popular destination.

Many of the Russian men are reportedly hoping to be spared from the Kremlin's military draft to be used as cannon fodder in the conflict with Western-backed Ukraine. All males aged 18 to 27 in Russia are required to serve for one year in the country's military.

While families are also abandoning their economically-ravaged homeland and 'throwing piles of cash' at agents in order to bypass Thaialand's strict visa system, according to Australian broadcaster Tim Newton.

Russia said it has enlisted more than 200,000 citizens into the armed forces following Russian President Vladimir Putin's partial mobilisation order last September.

While official figures from Thailand's Ministry of Sport and Tourism reported that more than 331,000 Russians arrived in Thailand from October to December last year.

Many locals and other expats are now complaining that the Russian influx has caused soaring prices for taxis, visas, property rentals and even massages.

However, the influx of foreign tourists with deep pockets has also led to a booming real estate market, with Russians accounting for most property sales.

Phattanan Phisutvimol, president of the Phuket Real Estate Association, said: 'This year will be the golden year for Phuket's property market. The boom will continue.'

Phattanan said that property sales are now at pre-pandemic levels, with all completed condo and pool villa projects sold out - with most going to foreign buyers.