BANGKOK, Thailand – Tourist Police Commander Pol Lt Gen Pongsiam Meekanthong met with Russian Ambassador Evgeny Tomikhin on October 7 to discuss closer cooperation on the safety, security and welfare of Russian tourists and citizens living in Thailand.
The meeting took place at the Russian Embassy in Bangkok at 11 a.m. and marked an opportunity for the newly appointed Tourist Police chief to discuss cooperation with the Russian diplomatic mission.
Pol Lt Gen Pongsiam and Ambassador Tomikhin discussed ways to improve assistance and security for Russian tourists and Russian nationals in Thailand, as well as issues concerning Russians working in the country.
The Tourist Police commander also asked the embassy to help communicate important information to Russian visitors already in Thailand and those planning trips to the country. This includes Thai laws and regulations, local customs and practices, and activities or conduct that visitors should avoid.
The initiative aims to help Russian visitors better understand their responsibilities while in Thailand and reduce problems arising from misunderstandings of local laws and customs.
Pol Lt Gen Pongsiam also promoted the Thailand Tourist Police application and the Tourist Police emergency hotline 1155, which Russian visitors can use to report incidents or seek assistance while in Thailand. The meeting was attended by Russian Embassy officials including Second Secretary Maxim Panzhaylo, Second Secretary Denis Tetushin, Second Secretary Dmitry Trushkin, and Senior Counsellor and Consul Ilya Ilyin. The Tourist Police said continued cooperation with foreign embassies is important in providing assistance to international visitors and maintaining confidence in Thailand as a safe and welcoming destination.
