Russian Ambassador to Thailand Evgeny Tomikhin has used the lead up to the country's annual Diplomat Day last month to discuss the opening of the new Consulate-General in Phuket.

The Phuket Consulate-General was announced by the Russian Government in July last year, with the Cabinet of Ministers instructing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia to establish the employee list.

The TACC reports that Mr Tomikhin told Russian journalists he aimed to have the consulate-general open by the end of the year.

“The opening of the Consulate-General will be important from the standpoint of stepping up our efforts to protect the rights and interests of Russian citizens," he said.

"It will be a great help for our diplomatic presence."

According to the Thailand Ministry of Sports and Tourism, about 1.5 million Russians visited Thailand in 2018, representing a 10.3% increase from the previous year.

Mr Tomikhin said it was important to have a diplomatic presence that reflected the growth in tourism.

“If we analyse what is happening with our tourism, then there are more economical trips here," he said.

"Compared to previous years, there are now more compatriots living in low-cost hotels.

"The demand for such hotels is probably higher than before."

Sources: TCCC

Similar to this: 

Tribhum amusement park welcomes visitors into three worlds

How much does it cost to live in Phuket?

Developers need to be wary of global economy, says Housing Business Association