Philippine Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Millicent Cruz-Paredes (left) and  Phuket Governor Mr. Narong Woonciew (right) 

BANGKOK, 12 APRIL 2021 – Philippine Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Millicent Cruz-Paredes paid an introductory call on Mr. Narong Woonciew, Governor of the Province of Phuket, on 09 April 2021 to reaffirm the commitment of the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok to work closely with the Provincial Government of Phuket in ensuring the safety and well-being of Filipinos in Phuket.

Ambassador Paredes thanked Governor Narong and the people of Phuket for their hospitality and care for the estimated 3,500 members of the Filipino community in Phuket. The Ambassador also expressed appreciation for the Governor’s assurances that the people and government of Phuket will take care of Filipinos as their “brothers and sisters.”

As part of the Ambassador’s series of calls on Provincial Governors of Thailand, the meeting was also an opportunity to discuss strengthening ties between the Embassy and the Provincial Government of Phuket in the time of pandemic and onwards into the post-COVID 19 period.   

Ambassador Paredes received the assurances of Governor Narong that foreign residents in Phuket, including Filipinos, are part of Phuket’s ongoing vaccination program. This program is in line with the preparations of the Provincial Government for the opening of Phuket to vaccinated foreign tourists on 01 July 2021.

Ambassador Paredes also invited Governor Narong to explore tourism cooperation between a Philippine province and Phuket in the future, when travel restrictions ease.

The courtesy call was held back-to-back with the Philippine Embassy’s consular outreach mission for the Filipino community in Phuket on 09-19 April 2021. END

Ambassador Millicent Cruz-Paredes presents to Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew with an artwork by a Filipino artist