The meeting, held at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Feb 4), was also attended by Vladivostok representative Kirill Solgalov, Phuket Provincial Office head Narong On-in, Tourism Authority of Thailand (Phuket) Director Siriwan Singharaj, Phuket Provincial Culture Officer Puangpaka Chaowai and Phuket Provincial Education Officer Panna Phromwichien.
Mr Ivanov said Phuket remains one of the most popular destinations for Russian travellers, with more than 1 million Russian tourists visiting the island. He noted that Russian visitors were impressed by Phuket’s hospitality and the opportunity to experience Thai culture.
The Russian delegation said an exhibition focusing on tourism and culture is planned to be held in Phuket to promote cultural exchange and strengthen tourism, cultural and economic links between Russia and Phuket.
They also expressed readiness to support cooperation between public and private sectors on both sides, viewing public-private partnerships as a positive driver of development, said an official report of the meeting.
With the high season bringing large numbers of Russian visitors to Phuket, Russian officials proposed increasing flight connections between Thailand and Vladivostok to improve travel access, the report added.
Governor Nirat welcomed the proposals, saying the talks offered an opportunity for Thais to learn more about Vladivostok and for Phuket to further strengthen relations with the Russian Far East city.
The Russian delegation thanked Phuket authorities for the care provided to Russian nationals and said Russia was ready to continue supporting cooperation in tourism, culture and economic development.
Mr Ivanov, 50, joined the Russian diplomatic service in 1997 after graduating from Udmurt State University. Fluent in English, German and French, he has served in various posts with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas, including as consul at the Russian Consulate General in New York from 2011 to 2016 and as an advisor in the ministry’s personnel department from 2016 to 2024.
He has served as Consul-General of the Russian Federation in Phuket since May 7, 2024.
The Russian Consulate General in Phuket is located at Royal Phuket Marina. (Tel: 095‑2598081. Email: phuketconsul@yandex.ru)