PHUKET TOWN: Officials from Phuket and Hainan in China are discussing the prospect of joining the two islands as “sister cities”, it was announced today. “Hainan really wants to become sister cities with Phuket,” said Governor CEO Pongpayome Vasaputi at a press conference following his meeting with Wang Xiaofeng, Governor of Hainan Island of Guangdong province. “I’ll consider it and if it’s beneficial to us, I’ll dicsuss it with OrBorJor President Dr Prasit Koeysiripong.” He explained that any agreement would need to be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that the process would not take longer than six months. Dr Prasit said, “There are many Thai-Hainan people in Thailand, but we must have an agreement that provides sustainable development for Phuket. “It could be advantageous for us. Hainan has 8 million residents, but we have only 500,000. “In addition, I think the Chinese have more spending power than before because their economy has changed dramatically, and we have been promoting Phuket’s traditions and cultures to make Phuket more appealing to tourists,” he added. Phuket has been a sister with Nice in France for decades, while Phuket Town is a sister city with Las Vegas, Nevada. Earlier this year there were discussions on joining with Cape Town, South Africa.
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