ไทย
Phuket — On January 22, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., an official opening ceremony was held for the Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Phuket, located on Chao Fa East Road, Chalong Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Province. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Nirat Phongsitthithaworn, Governor of Phuket Province.
The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Margulan Baimukhan, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Thailand; Mr. Vichawat Isaraphakdi, Assistant Minister attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Ibat Aktan, Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Phuket; governors and deputy governors from southern provinces, heads of government agencies, and distinguished guests.
Mr. Nirat Phongsitthithaworn, Governor of Phuket, welcomed the guests with a greeting in Kazakh, “Selyamet-siz-be,” and stated that, on behalf of the people of Phuket and the southern region, he was deeply honored and delighted to witness the official opening of the Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Phuket. This milestone represents an important step in further strengthening the long-standing close and friendly relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In 2025, more than 127,560 Kazakh tourists traveled to Phuket via Phuket International Airport, clearly reflecting the tangible success of enhanced bilateral relations—particularly the mutual visa exemption policy effective since April 23, 2024—as well as the launch of direct flights from major cities in Kazakhstan, including Astana and Almaty, to Phuket.
Phuket Province expressed its sincere appreciation to Kazakh tourists for their continued confidence in traveling to the destination. They are regarded as high-quality visitors with strong potential to generate significant revenue for the province. The establishment of the consulate is expected to facilitate consular services, enhance safety and protection for Kazakh tourists, and build greater confidence during their stay in Phuket and nearby areas, including visitors from the Middle East.
Moreover, the opening of the Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Phuket will serve as a key mechanism to advance cooperation in other dimensions, such as investment, culture, and education, as well as to foster future partnerships, including sister city initiatives and localized bilateral cooperation.
On this occasion, the Governor of Phuket, on behalf of Phuket Province and the southern provinces, expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Thailand for selecting Phuket as the consulate’s location, with jurisdiction covering 14 southern provinces. He conveyed his best wishes for the continued stability and sustainability of relations between Thailand and the Republic of Kazakhstan, concluding with words of congratulations and thanks in Kazakh: “ULKEN RAKHMET” and “ASHY-LUY-MEN-KUT-TYK-TAYAYZ.”
Phuket Provincial Public Relations Office — Photos/News