Swedish embassy appoints Honorary Consul in Phuket to boost Thai-Swedish relations

An Honorary Consul has been appointed in Phuket by the Swedish embassy in Thailand, aiming to amplify Thai-Swedish relations on the popular tourist island. To date this year, there have been 110,000 Swedish tourists in Thailand.

Anna Hammargren, the Swedish Ambassador to Thailand, was warmly received by Deputy Governor of Phuket, Amnuay Pinsuwan at the City Hall, during her official visit to the island from November 20 to 21. Relevant representatives from the Phuket Immigration Office, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket Office, the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, and the Phuket Tourist Association were also present during the visit.

Amnuay asserted that Phuket is prepared to solidify relations with Swedish authorities, following discussions with individuals from both public and private sectors regarding potential collaboration between Phuket and Sweden. He also expressed positive sentiments towards the appointment of the honorary consul in Phuket, viewing it as a key element in encouraging future Swedish investments, trade, and tourism in the region.

The deputy governor revealed that the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation holds fortnightly meetings with honorary consuls and provincial agencies to discuss and promptly address any emergent issues.

“Between January and September this year, approximately 110,000 tourists from Sweden visited Thailand. We hope to see an influx of Swedish visitors in Phuket during the last quarter of the year.”

Beyond its appeal as a tourist destination, Phuket is home to 411 Swedish residents holding long-term visas. The deputy governor assured that both the public and private sectors are ready to extend their support to the Swedish populace, with a comprehensive assistance system in place comprising the Provincial Police, Tourism Police, Immigration Police, and agencies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In line with these developments, the Swedish embassy celebrated the inauguration of its Honorary Consulate at the Phuket Marriott Merlin Beach yesterday, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, back in March, Thailand was recognised as the Best Tourist Country at the 30th annual Grand Travel Awards 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden. Organised by TravelNews, the award is based on a survey conducted by research company Nordic Bench, which collected responses from 3,227 Swedish travellers and travel professionals across Sweden. Read more about the story HERE.