Special envoy to Chinese president Xi Jinping visits Phuket

PHUKET: Meng Jianzhu, a Chinese senior politburo member, security official and special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping, was in Phuket to pay a courtesy visit over the weekend.

Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong and Monrudee Gettuphan, acting general manager of Phuket International Airport, welcomed Mr Meng as he arrived at the airport on Saturday.

Mr Meng, who currently holds the position of Secretary of the Central Politics and Law Commission of the Communist Party of China, was in Phuket on only an informal visit, explained Governor Nisit.

The Chinese envoy met with Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha last Thursday (story here).

“Mr Meng visited Phuket because he wanted to see why so many Chinese tourists visit Phuket each year,” said Governor Nisit.

“He was told by the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand that last year more than a million Chinese tourists visited Phuket, and that number is expected to rise this year.”

Mr Meng asked about the tourist attractions that Chinese tourists like to visit during their stay in Phuket, Gov Nisit added.

“He said Phuket is a beautiful place, and that he will help to take care of his own nationals,” he noted.

Mr Meng left Phuket on Sunday evening after a tour of Phang Nga Bay.

— Kongleaphy Keam