China to set up consulate in Phuket

PHUKET: China has appointed a long-awaited Consul for Phuket – a full-time government employee rather than a volunteer honorary consul like those employed on the island by most countries.

May 6th Vice-Consul Wang Huijian from the Haad Yao Consulate, who has been named chief of mission to Phuket, came with her assistant to meet Governor Maitri Inthusut and discuss where the Consulate will be.

Gov Maitri said “Even though there is no Chinese Consulate now, Chinese people here are already serious about taking care of Chinese tourists, by adding Chinese language to public signs to help the tourists.

“There are several cities in China with which Phuiket it twinned, and the Phuket Friendship City initiative arranges exchanges of students from China and the island to learn each other’s culture and tradition.”

He asked Ms Wang to warn Chinese tourists, through the tour companies, about the risks of swimming at Phuket’s beaches.

“We want Chinese tourists to respect and follow the beach warnings. Also, before boarding a boat to go to another island, they should check the weather forecast in order to minimise risk, especially during the southwest monsoon season.

“City tours, visiting the old town and shopping centers are good alternatives for tourists when it is wet and windy.”

Ms Wang said, “In the past year, 10.7 million Chinese tourists came to Thailand, with one million of those coming to Phuket. We foresee that number doubling this year.

“The Chinese Consul in Phuket will take care of and protect these Chinese tourists.”

Up until now all consular assistance for Chinese in Phuket has been provided from the consulate in Haad Yai, an awkward and inefficient long-distance arrangement.

Source: Phuket News