Vietnam opens honorary consulate in Phuket

Vietnam has opened an honorary consulate in Phuket, with an opening ceremony held at Nai Yang Beach Resort & Spa in Thalang.

The ceremony was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung and Thanet Tantiphiriyakit, who has been appointed Honorary Consul of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Phuket. Representing Phuket Province were Vice Governors Romdon Hayiawae and Suwit Phansengiam. They were joined by Songkhla Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, Phang Nga Vice Governor Bancha Thanu-in, Ranong Vice Governor Kanathip Sukcharoen, honorary consuls from several countries, government officials, business representatives and members of the diplomatic community.

Ambassador Pham said the opening of the honorary consulate was an important step in strengthening relations between Vietnam and Thailand as the two countries approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The new consular office will serve Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Ranong, Songkhla and Surat Thani. Pham said Phuket and southern Thailand are important gateways for tourism, trade and transport within ASEAN. He added that the recent launch of direct Vietnam Airlines flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket on July 2 would further support tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Thanet said he was honoured by his appointment and pledged to carry out his duties with integrity. He said the office would act as a bridge for cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand in trade, investment, tourism, education and culture, while also assisting Vietnamese nationals within its consular jurisdiction.

Speaking on behalf of Phuket Province, Vice Governor Romdon welcomed the opening of the honorary consulate as another milestone in Thailand-Vietnam relations. He said the new office and the direct flights would create new opportunities for cooperation in tourism, trade, investment, education, culture and exchanges between the people of both countries. He added that the honorary consulate would become an important centre for long-term friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand.