The event, held at Phuket Country Club in Kathu, was attended by H.E. Wilhelm Donko, Ambassador of Austria to Thailand, and Christina Lehner-Telic, Consul-General of the Austrian Embassy in Bangkok, along with representatives from government agencies, the private sector, and the international community.
Ambassador Donko presented a medal of honour to Ms Wanida in recognition of her two decades of dedicated service as Austria’s Honorary Consul in Phuket. During her tenure, Ms Wanida played a key role in supporting Austrian citizens, fostering tourism cooperation and strengthening ties between Austria and southern Thailand.
Her successor, Mr Montawee, was officially appointed Honorary Consul of Austria in Phuket, pledging to continue and expand the consular mission’s efforts to promote friendship and collaboration between the two nations.
Governor Saransak extended his congratulations to Mr Montawee, noting that his appointment represented “another important step in promoting cooperation between Phuket and the Republic of Austria in the areas of economy, trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange”.
“On behalf of the people of Phuket, I would like to express my sincere congratulations to Mr Montawee Hongyok. This is an honour for the province and a sign of growing partnership between Phuket and Austria. The provincial government stands ready to fully support the work of the Austrian Consulate,” Governor Saransak said.
In his address, Mr Montawee said he was deeply honoured by the appointment and committed to building upon the foundation laid by his predecessor.
“I am extremely proud to be entrusted with this role, which is crucial in promoting friendship and cooperation between Thailand and Austria,” he said. “I will strive to continue Ms Wanida Hongyok’s aspirations, particularly in strengthening ties through culture, education, tourism, and economic exchange.”