Russians staying home for football festival while the country also sees as influx of visitors who might otherwise come to Thailand
Separate incidents spark concern in Thailand resort.
A medical rescue flight to Thailand by the Emergencies Ministry brought home four Russian men to the Siberian city of Tyumen on Sunday.
Hotel occupancy down to average 50% in third quarter, with 'sharp drop' in Russian arrivals.
Tourist numbers from Siberia rising as economy improves following 2014 downturn
Tourist chiefs in Thailand have stressed the importance to them of visitors from the eastern regions of Russia.
Think Thailand, and probably schools are not the first thing to come into your head.
President Putin opened his visit to Buryatia by going to Ivolga Datsan, the main monastery of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha in Russia.
More than 130billion roubles invested in special gambling zone to lure wealthy Asian tourists to Russia, complete with its own beach, marina and ski area.