New Russian Consul General Ivanov meets with Phuket Governor

Egor Ivanov, the newly appointed Russian Consul General for Phuket, met with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat yesterday to formally introduce himself after his credentials were accepted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the meeting, Ivanov expressed his gratitude to Governor Sophon and his team for their efforts in looking after Russian tourists. He also conveyed his readiness to support the work of the Phuket Provincial Office and cooperate with various agencies.

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Major General Sinlert Sukhum and Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkachai Siri, head of the Tourist Police regional division responsible for Phuket, were in attendance. Representatives from Phuket Immigration, the Phuket branch of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and other government agencies were also present.

Born in 1975, Ivanov graduated from Udmurt State University in 1997. Fluent in English, German, and French, he holds the diplomatic rank of Advisor, 1st class. Ivanov joined the Russian diplomatic service in 1997 and has held various positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and abroad, including serving as Consul at the Consulate General of Russia in New York from 2011 to 2016.

Ivanov officially assumed his role as Consul General of the Russian Federation in Phuket on May 7. He succeeds Vladimir Sosnov, who served as Russian Consul General to Phuket from April 1, 2020, to April this year.

The Russian Consulate General in Phuket oversees operations across 13 provinces in South Thailand, including Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong, Chumphon, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Trang, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala, reported Phuket News.

In related news, following an announcement made by Penny Wong, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kirsten Fletcher was named the new Australian Consul-General for Phuket and its nearby provinces. Fletcher’s appointment was confirmed on April 23.

In other news, Governor Sophon openly endorsed the move for Phuket to acquire special administrative status. Sophon conveyed his support during a speech at the 2024 Phuket Chamber of Commerce (PCC) Annual General Meeting, held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel.