Left photo: Philippine Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Millicent Cruz Paredes (left) and Khon Kaen Governor Mr. Somsak Jangtrakul (right) Right photo: Ambassador Paredes and Governor Somsak with their respective members of delegation

BANGKOK, 29 November 2021 – Philippine Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Millicent Cruz Paredes paid an introductory call on Mr. Somsak, Governor of the Province of Khon Kaen, on 26 November 2021 to reaffirm the commitment of the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok to work closely with the Provincial Government of Khon Kaen in ensuring the welfare of the estimated 700 Filipinos in the province. Ambassador Paredes and Governor Somsak discussed the socio-economic contribution of the Filipino community in Khon Kaen, most of whom are teachers and missionaries.

Ambassador Paredes thanked Governor Somsak and the people of Khon Kaen for their hospitality and care for the Filipino community in Khon Kaen especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ambassador also expressed appreciation to the Provincial Government for providing Filipinos access to the COVID-19 vaccination.

As part of the Ambassador’s series of calls on Provincial Governors of Thailand, the meeting was also an opportunity to discuss building economic ties between the Philippines and Khon Kaen particularly in the education, medical, logistics, and services sectors. Both sides, including the local business representatives who joined Governor Somsak’s delegation, noted the respective strengths of the Philippines and Khon Kaen in the said sectors.

Ambassador Paredes and Governor Somsak also agreed to explore “Smart City” cooperation between a Philippine city and Khon Kaen city, the capital of its namesake province.

The courtesy call was held back-to-back with the Philippine Embassy’s consular outreach mission for the Filipino community in Khon Kaen and surrounding areas on 27 November 2021. END

Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes presents to Khon Kaen Governor Somsak an artwork by a Filipino artist