Phuket Still Safe For Tourism: Russian Ambassador

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Phuket still safe for tourism: Russian Ambassador

PHUKET: -- The Russian ambassador to Thailand reaffirmed Phuket as a safe tourist destination after a tour of the island last weekend.

Santi Udomkiratak, Deputy Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation for Phuket, Krabi and Phang-nga, said that Russian Ambassador Alexander Mariyasov reiterated during his visit that the current political turmoil in Bangkok had very little effect on the safety of Russian tourists visiting Phuket, which is almost 1,000 kilometers from the capital.

Many Russian tourists were still taking advantage of three or four direct flights weekly from Russia to Phuket that eliminate the need to land in the capital.

Most of the flights are from Moscow aboard Transaero Airlines. Nordwind Airlines also operates some direct flights from Vladivostok.

There are currently about 30 Russian businesses operating in Phuket, most in the property, hotel, tour and advertising sectors, he said.

Mr Santi said he often gives legal advice to Russian investors in order to prevent them from being cheated or breaking the law, such as by checking building permits for real estate projects.

Unlike those issued by the governments of the UK and USA recently, travel advisories issued by the Russian Federation have applied only to Bangkok.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-05-15

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[NBT TV Phuket]

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The Russian Ambassador paid a visit to Phuket.

Russia's Ambassador to Thailand Mr Alexander Mariyasov on Monday evening paid a visit to the Consulate office for Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi. It’s located at Malisa Villa in Kata area, on the south side of Phuket. The Ambassador was welcomed by Minister to the Prime minister’s Office Mr. Virachai Virameteekul and the Honorary Consul Mr. Soopakij Chearavanont along with Russian residents and tourists. The envoy's visit aimed at following up the work of the honorary consul in support and assistance for Russian tourists to the Andaman region. The number of Russian tourists to the Andaman region of Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi is surging each year. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, in 2009 about 300,000 Russians visited Thailand.

weekly Andaman News NBT TV (VHF dial) at 8.30am broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces & on FM108 Mazz Radio in Phuket at 7pm , Friday 14th May 2010