Bangkok (VNA) – Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung paid a working trip to Phuket province from July 31 to August 1 to explore more cooperation opportunities between the southern Thai island and Vietnamese localities and agencies, focusing on tourism and aviation.
Meeting with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, Hung stressed the significance of upgrading the Vietnam–Thailand relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a move, he said, would unlock deeper and broader collaboration, particularly between Vietnamese localities and Phuket.
Commending Phuket’s thriving tourism industry, the ambassador encouraged the province to consider forging partnerships with Vietnamese localities, including An Giang province. He also thanked Phuket authorities for supporting the Vietnamese-Thai community and hoped for continued efforts to ensure their well-being.
The ambassador also asked local authorities to facilitate the opening of more direct flights by Vietnamese airlines to Phuket, a step he said would boost tourism and bilateral trade.
As part of his trip, Hung also met with representatives of the Vietnamese community and the Vietnamese-Thai Business Association in the province.
Duong Xuan Son, President of the Vietnamese-Thai Association, and Nguyen Van Toan, a representative of the Vietnamese-Thai Business Association, said roughly 150 Vietnamese families with over 600 individuals in Phuket, mostly employed in tourism services, are economically stable and supportive of Vietnam’s development policies under the Party and State’s leadership.
In discussions with Monchai Tanode, Director General of Phuket International Airport, Hung highlighted the ample potential for tourism-driven partnerships between Phuket and Vietnamese localities. He pressed for support to Vietnamese airlines when flying to the island.
The Vietnamese diplomat also held working sessions with President of the Phuket Tourism Association Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, and representatives of the province's Hotel Association and the Federation of Thai Industries in Phuket./.
