Five diplomatic envoys -- all of whom were women -- yesterday visited Phuket governor Narong Woonciew to thank him for taking care of their nationals during the pandemic.
The ambassadors of Canada, Kazakhstan, Panama, the Philippines and Colombia to Thailand -- as well as neighbouring nations -- also spoke with the governor on other issues related to his province.
Raushan Yesbulatova, Kazakhstan's ambassador, said she appreciated how Phuket helped repatriate her people during the pandemic and offered flight discounts.
Millicent Cruz-Paredes, ambassador for the Philippines, also thanked the province for caring for the 1,200 Filipinos living there.
Ana Maria Prieto Abad, the Colombian ambassador, likewise appreciated the province's effort to assist her nationals during the travel restrictions that occurred during the first wave. She also helped release turtles in Phangnga and went to the Tsunami museum during her time in the South.
Sarah Taylor, the Canadian ambassador, said she was encouraged to see the recovery of tourism in Phuket. Ms Taylor said that many Canadians visit the island and many have investments there, including a water treatment system and in hotels. She added that Canada is impressed with the Phuket smart city model.
Itzel Karina Chen Chan, Panama's ambassador, praised the Phuket tourism model and said that it's a model for her own country.
Mr Narong said he spoke with the ambassadors about a range of issues among them to do tourism, especially ecotourism and sustainability, and smart city initiatives.
He said the tourism sector has been recently doing well in the province with no less than 3,000 visitors arriving daily, bringing in some 80,000-100,000 visitors per month.
The five female ambassadors were also taking part in a trip that aims to help empower women in Thailand. As part of that, they are also heading to other areas in the South such as Krabi and Phangnga, and Chiang Mai in the North.