The Chinese consulate in Khon Kaen officially opened on Monday to provide consular, customs and other diplomatic services for the Thais, Chinese and other nationalities in the Northeast.
Chinese ambassador Ning Fukui presided over the opening ceremony at the office on Rob Bung Kaen Nakhon Road.
Khon Kaen governor Kamthorn Thawornsathit, Pol Lt Gen Boonlert Jaipradit, chief of the Region 4 Provincial Police Bureua, and Maj Gen Tarakrit Thapthongsit, commander of the 23rd Army Circle, were among the guests, as well as leaders of the Chinese community and members of the public and business sector.
In his speech, Mr Ning said the consulate in Khon Kaen is the third to have opened, joining the Chiang Mai and Songkhla offices.
He said opening was time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the People's Republic of China. Its jurisdiction covers 20 northeastern provinces, he said.
Headed by a consul general, the office will provide visa and customs services, information on trade and investment in China, and process various applications filed under bilateral agreements between the two countries.
It is also intended to promote exchanges in the fields of culture, arts, trade and investment, as well as upgrade air and land transport to make Khon Kaen a major city in the Asean region.
The office will begin full service June 29.