The opening ceremony was held at Nai Yang Beach Resort & Spa in Thalang and was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung and Thanet Tantiphiriyakit, who has been appointed Honorary Consul of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Phuket.
Representing Phuket Province were Vice Governors Romdon Hayiawae and Suwit Phansengiam, joined by Songkhla Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, Phang Nga Vice Governor Bancha Thanu-in, Ranong Vice Governor Kanathip Sukcharoen, honorary consuls from several countries, government officials, business representatives and members of the diplomatic community.
Ambassador Pham said the opening of the honorary consulate was an important step in strengthening relations between Vietnam and Thailand as the two countries approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The new consular office will serve Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Ranong, Songkhla and Surat Thani.
He noted that Phuket and southern Thailand are important gateways for tourism, trade and transport within ASEAN, and said the recent launch of direct Vietnam Airlines flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket on July 2 would further boost tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Thanet said he was honoured to have been appointed honorary consul by the Vietnamese government and pledged to carry out his duties with integrity.
He said the office would serve as a bridge for cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand in areas including trade, investment, tourism, education and culture, while also assisting Vietnamese nationals within its consular jurisdiction.
Speaking on behalf of Phuket Province, Vice Governor Romdon welcomed the opening of the honorary consulate, describing it as another milestone in relations between Thailand and Vietnam.
He said the new office and the recently launched direct flights would create new opportunities for cooperation in tourism, trade, investment, education, culture and exchanges between the people of both countries.
He added that the honorary consulate would become an important centre for fostering long-term friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand.