Russian Foreign Ministry: the authors of false stories about the situation around Bi-2 are confused in their lies

In a statement, the ministry said that none of the “sensational” notes have any basis, and the insinuations against Russian diplomats are “lies from beginning to end.”

Thus, the Foreign Ministry recalled that members of the rock band were detained in Phuket for violating the kingdom’s migration legislation and illegal touring activities.

The importance of compliance with the country's domestic legislation was previously noted by Russian Ambassador to Thailand Evgeny Tomikhin, the Foreign Ministry recalls. In particular, he drew attention to the fact that all artists coming to this country must obtain a work visa and permission from the Ministry of Culture.

“It is probably much easier to look for another “mythical hand of the Kremlin” than to admit that you have broken the law,” the Russian ministry said.

At the same time, they stated that the publications consist of opposite fakes: “either Russian diplomats are to blame for the arrest of the group, or they are accused of “inaction.” In the situation around “Bi-2”, employees of the consular department of the Russian Embassy and Consulate General acted in accordance with the regulations: having received notification from the Thai authorities about the detention of Russian citizens, on January 31, consular employees arrived at the Temporary Detention Center of the Royal Immigration Bureau in Bangkok, and with the administration institutions, an agreement was reached to meet with the detainees.

At the same time, Bi-2 participants flatly refused to communicate with Russian consuls, the Foreign Ministry said. No appeals were received on their behalf to Russian foreign institutions.

“But, by their own admission, the musicians welcomed assistance from the US State Department, American senators, German, Polish, Lithuanian diplomats and other persons,” Moscow emphasized. They also drew attention to the fact that Russian journalists were not allowed to attend a press conference organized with the participation of the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

“This indicates that the organizers of such a show are afraid of exposure. We understand with understanding the attempts of Israeli diplomats to demonstrate the possibility of freeing, if not the hostages, then the musicians,” the ministry concluded.

The deportation of the musicians of the Bi-2 group to Israel became known on January 31. Before this, a court in Thailand sentenced performers to a fine for holding a concert in Phuket without the necessary permission.

Then Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz met with the members of the rock band and stated that Israel’s job is “to take care of the protection and safety of Israeli citizens around the world.”