BANGKOK, 04 October 2023 - Philippine Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Millicent Cruz Paredes made an official visit to Chiang Rai, a province in Northern Thailand to pay a courtesy call on Chiang Rai Governor Putipong Sirimatya. She also attended the 25th Founding Anniversary of Mae Fah Luang University.

Ambassador Paredes met with Governor Putipong and other Chiang Rai Provincial Government officials on 25 September 2023 at the provincial capital of Mueang Chiang Rai to discuss the needs and concerns of Filipinos in the province and strengthen the Embassy’s coordination with the Office of the Governor and local government officials, especially in instances where Filipinos may fall in distress or need special assistance.

The Ambassador expressed concern about Filipinos who are illegally recruited or trafficked to do online scamming and catfishing activities in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province, Laos, located along the confluence of two rivers that are found in the tri-border of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. Governor Putipong gave assurances that Chiang Rai authorities stand ready to cooperate and collaborate with the Embassy, not just in assisting possible victims but also in preventing such incidents from happening.

While in Chiang Rai, Ambassador Paredes also attended the 25th Founding Anniversary of Mae Fah Luang University upon the invitation of the institution. The University is host to a number of Filipino teachers and students over the years. END