PHUKET, Thailand – The Honorary Consulate of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has officially opened in Phuket, expanding Vietnam’s diplomatic presence in Southern Thailand and supporting closer cooperation between the two countries. The opening ceremony was presided over by Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung and Thanes Tantipiriyakij, honorary consul of Vietnam in Phuket, with Phuket Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawae representing the provincial governor. The honorary consulate will serve eight southern provinces—Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Ranong, Songkhla, and Surat Thani—and provide consular services while promoting cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges.
The opening comes ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Vietnam. Ambassador Pham said Phuket and Southern Thailand serve as key gateways for tourism, trade, and transportation within ASEAN. He also welcomed the launch of Vietnam Airlines’ direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket on July 2, saying the new route is expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment between the two countries. Officials said the honorary consulate will help expand cooperation in economic affairs, trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges, while providing efficient consular services to Vietnamese nationals within the consular district. (NNT)
