Phuket gets new Australian Consul-General

[snoop1130]

 

Penny Wong, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, announced the appointment of Kirsten Fletcher as the new Consul-General for Phuket and surrounding areas.

 

Fletcher is known for her dedication to sustainability and tourism. Her appointment came after her recent participation in a local event in Phuket focused on reducing plastic waste, in which the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela Macdonald, also attended.

 

Minister Wong emphasised the strong ties between Australia and Thailand across various sectors, including defence, law enforcement, education, and the green economy.

 

Australia sees Thailand as its 11th most important trading partner, with an estimated trade value of about US$30.8 billion (or roughly 740 billion baht) during 2022 to 2023. Thailand also plays a significant role in Australia's international student population, with about 21,000 Thai students currently studying in Australia.

 

The Phuket Consulate-General, which opened in August 2017, reflects the strength of both countries' relationship and the growing number of Australians living and visiting Phuket.

 

Fletcher, a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, brings a lot of experience to her new role.

 

Wong thanked Matt Barclay, the former Consul-General, for his services and contributions since 2019.

 

In related news, to promote easy travel and business ties, both Thailand and Australia are considering a reciprocal visa-free agreement. This plan came to light during a meeting between Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and David Hurley, the Governor-General of Australia, on February 14.

 

Caption: Photo courtesy of Phuket News

 

 

-- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-24

 

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[mfd101]

32 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

In related news, to promote easy travel and business ties, both Thailand and Australia are considering a reciprocal visa-free agreement. This plan came to light during a meeting between Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and David Hurley, the Governor-General of Australia, on February 14.

And pigs might fly. The GG has no powers whatever in the matter (nor any other matter except as advised to him by the Australian Government). He will have merely nodded politely when the Thai PM raised the matter.

[drrobert]

Same same with the German President recently. Except for New Zealanders all visitors to Australia must have a visa or travel authority to enter Australia. Australia even requires a transit visa even if you are flying out of Australia on the same plane! It is free and most applications are completed within 19 days!!!!!!!

[roo860]

This fella would have been my choice! Legend. 

[hotchilli]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Fletcher is known for her dedication to sustainability and tourism. Her appointment came after her recent participation in a local event in Phuket focused on reducing plastic waste, in which the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela Macdonald, also attended.

 

Minister Wong emphasised the strong ties between Australia and Thailand across various sectors, including defence, law enforcement, education, and the green economy.

Yeah,  Phuket is such a role model.

[Srikcir]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Yeah,  Phuket is such a role model.

Phuket has about 25% of its population as foreign residents and almost 50% of its visitors are foreign tourists that it might as well have embassies with ambassadors instead of consul-generals. 

[This Guy]

So is it it a he/her/her she/ X YZ, miss / Ms/ Madam, Zhin / Zhizla, sir, shizzle wizzle or what?
What one can expect these days, where they are more concerned with their pronouns than their position and job!
W123kers