Larry Cunningham to quit as Phuket Hon Con

[webfact]

Larry Cunningham to quit as Phuket Hon Con
Jody Houton


Larry Cunningham speaks with a Police Assistant at Karon Police station on August 30.

PHUKET: -- After serving as Australia’s Honorary Consul in Phuket for more than eight years, Larry Cunningham has decided not to renew his contract with the Australian Government and will step down from the position on September 30.

Friday’s aggressively tense meeting with Siriporn Tantiphanyatep, the Director of the Phuket Passport Office, had had no bearing on his decision, Mr Cunningham said.

“It was always the plan. My contract came to an end on August 20 this year, and I was never going to run again [for the post].”

Mr Cunningham said that one of his main reasons for wanting to step down was that he wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren in Australia.

It was for this reason that, initially, the Australian Embassy was looking at whether there was a way that would allow him to work part-time.

“It would have worked if there had been sufficient funds to hire an assistant or to have opened up an Australian Consulate on the island, which has always been my dream,” he said.

As yet, no one on the island has been approached to take Mr Cunningham’s place as Australian Hon Con.

He is optimistic that the embassy will be able to find somebody, though he added, “Whether anybody else is going to be brave enough to step into the breach, we will have to wait and see.”

Mr Cunningham said that he had taken positive things from Friday’s unpleasant incident and disagreement at the Phuket Provincial Hall – particularly the words of encouragement he has received since then.

“The support over the last few days has been incredible, thanking me and praising me for the stance I have taken. People I haven’t spoken to in years have been contacting me. Sometimes it feels like a thankless task, but when I receive support like that it makes it all seem worthwhile.”

He added, “I’m sure there will be a few people happy at Provincial Hall who will be happy with my decision.”

The Australian Ambassador to Thailand, James Wise, has paid tribute to Mr Cunningham. “Australia could not have wished for a more committed and energetic honorary consul,” he said.

“The numbers of Australians visiting Phuket in recent years have risen enormously, and so has the demand for consular services. Mr Cunningham has responded quickly, effectively and compassionately to this growing demand.

“Australian visitors as well as long-term residents have valued his contribution very highly. He has managed their day-to-day concerns efficiently.

Mr Wise also paid tribute to Mr Cunningham’s efforts to improve the safety and wellbeing of all tourists in Phuket, not just Australians.

“Mr Cunningham is an enthusiastic advocate for Phuket. He knows that Phuket will prosper only if tourists and residents continue to feel safe and welcomed there. He has worked tirelessly to draw to the attention of authorities any issues of concern.”

Mr Wise also acknowledged the assistance of Mr Cunningham’s Thai staff, who have supported him as Honorary Consul. Their efforts are also deeply appreciated, he said.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/larry-cunningham-to-quit-as-phuket-hon-con-41693.php


-- Phuket News 2013-09-02

related topic

Aus Hon Con in tense talks over Phuket jet-ski incident

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/664738-aus-hon-con-in-tense-talks-over-phuket-jet-ski-incident/

[dudu]

There you have it, noticed any other other consulates lending a word on the matter? Australia and other countries relations with Thailand, go far beyond a few ripped off tourists,he was always gonna lose, bet he copped it from the Australian side.Thanks mate for keeping your pride,take my hat off to you, as a fellow Australian.

[jmccarty]

Thankless job as it sounds from the Phuket Governors office.

I find it puzzling that Mr. Cunningham has put so much effort into promoting Phuket and get the sort of negative feedback from the governor’s office when he showed up there to resolve a real issue that gives Phuket and all of Thailand a bad name internationally.

I can understand nationalistic pride, but there is not enough domestic tourists to support even a fraction of the Thai owned businesses including jet ski operators if this combined with some of the other anti-tourism fleeces going on one day overcomes the threshold of the average world tourist.

Outstanding effort Mr. Cunningham, you will be very hard to replace!

[eezergood]

I wonder what you need to do to apply?

[stevenl]

There you have it, noticed any other other consulates lending a word on the matter? Australia and other countries relations with Thailand, go far beyond a few ripped off tourists,he was always gonna lose, bet he copped it from the Australian side.Thanks mate for keeping your pride,take my hat off to you, as a fellow Australian.

No, I don't believe this has anything to do with it. I do believe though that knowing he would not continue his post may have let Larry Cunningham to a few more brazen remarks than normal.

But governments don't act so swiftly, so the present 'argument' with a Thai official has in my estimation nothing to do with this.

[harrycallahan]

So he put his nuts on the line knowing he'd be out very soon? Perhaps not as brave as first speculated.

[LivinginKata]

I wish Larry all the best in his future plans. He is a credit to his nation.

[Katipo]

The timing is rather too coincedental, regardless.

[chooka]

A truly sad day indeed and a great loss to all Aussie expats. The next person has got hell of a pair of shoes to fill and it is going to take a big man/woman to come near Larry. The guy not only worked tirelessly for Australians but for all people, Thais and Farangs on the island trying to expose the scams along with lifting the image of Phuket and making it a safer place.

I truly hope the Governor and TAT realise what he actually did for the place and thank him with a farewell dinner. I would guess tho he will only get an escort to the airport to make sure he gets on a plane so that the Governor, TAT, J.J and the other jet ski operators can throw a party to celebrate.

I wish you all the best mate, you gave it your all but the corruption is cemented into Thai society and only a nuclear bomb will budge it a cm or two.

Edited September 2, 2013 by chooka

[chooka]

So he put his nuts on the line knowing he'd be out very soon? Perhaps not as brave as first speculated.

He has been putting his nuts on the block for 8 yrs.

[lee b]

Good luck to him in the future

[alfalfa19]

This is a damn shame, but probably a wise move on his part. Thanks for your service, Sir.

[johnlandy]

The timing is rather too coincedental, regardless.

Read into it what you want but if you read the OP it is said that his contract was up. I for one wouldn't put up with all the thankless shyt particularly when these <deleted> are not gonna change an <deleted> thing.

They will still be scamming tourists until the moon turns to green cheese.

If anyone thinks otherwise 'I am real pleased for you'

[Elfin]

I know it is an honoury position, but is it formally recognised by the Australian government? Will the position be advertised?

It is something that I would stick my hand up to do.

Larry Cunningham should be proud of his commitment over the last 8 years!

[harrry]

I know it is an honoury position, but is it formally recognised by the Australian government? Will the position be advertised?

It is something that I would stick my hand up to do.

Larry Cunningham should be proud of his commitment over the last 8 years!

Frankly this kind of position is probably one that if you have to ask for it you should not get it.

Agree about Larry Cunningham.

[harrry]

1.2 Any proposal to establish a consular post headed by an Honorary Consul should be supported by an explanation of the scope and volume of consular services to be provided by the post. The Department expects that issue of passports and visas, or facilitation thereof, would be included among the functions covered. Unless there are special circumstances, establishment of consular posts outside State

and Territory capital cities will not be approved.

http://www.dfat.gov.au/protocol/protocol_guidelines/honorary_consul_guidelines.html

It is strange how Honarory Consuls in Australia should issue passports and visas however here the Australian consuls are not allowed to by Australia.

[Loptr]

So he put his nuts on the line knowing he'd be out very soon? Perhaps not as brave as first speculated.

Or he received a call in the last 2 days that told him to exit the scene or else. The text message he received was his first warning. The timing on this announcement is far too coincidental.

[Equalizer]

So if the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, James Wise, wants to make a statement and back up his words, why does he not put Larry Cunningham forward for the Order of Australia for services to Australian citizens. Then Larry can send Siriporn Tantiphanyatep a nice signed photo in all his regalia.

[HAL9000]

I wonder what you need to do to apply?

Call the embassy.

[mikemac]

So he put his nuts on the line knowing he'd be out very soon? Perhaps not as brave as first speculated.

Perhaps, but braver than some of the anal posters on this forum who will never be fit to fill his shoes.

He has been putting his nuts on the block for 8 yrs.

Touche !

[MK1]

A job well done Larry. You will be sadly missed. Perhaps Ambassador 'Wise' might now come clean as to his intentions with regard opening an Australian consulate in Phuket, since this was one of Larry’s last wishes for Phuket in light of the demand for consulate services over the years or perhaps this issue now hedges on the outcome of this weekend’s election, after which there could possible be a changing of the Ambassador guardianship, which could not be ruled out also, depending on the political result of course.

[Emdog]

He will be missed by all farangs, not just Australians. He has a right to a life of his own, and his own life..... I wonder how many of the posters here could have lasted as long as he did? Enjoy your life, where ever you go. Good on ya mate. BTW, is being an Australian a requirement for the position?

[george]

Cheers Larry, you are a star.Please keep in contact!

George

[jko]

It is rare in diplomatic/consular circles that people with Genuine Balls emerge.

Even rarer, when connections with the tourism industry are involved, whereby most - alas, if not all - travel agents, hoteliers, etc., are happy to cash in on the rich takings, and sit 'diplomatically' on their hands - Fat Cats doing + saying nothing, whilst their customers are fleeced, scammed, beaten up, and sometimes murdered.

Larry - you were a shining example of what can be said, and done, and you outshone them all, at obvious risk to yourself.

I hope your legacy might encourage others to take up where you left off.

I never met you, but I salute you, and no doubt many others will join me in that - I wish you well.

Just wish there were more like you.

Edited September 2, 2013 by jko

[Wat dee]

A truly sad day indeed and a great loss to all Aussie expats. The next person has got hell of a pair of shoes to fill and it is going to take a big man/woman to come near Larry. The guy not only worked tirelessly for Australians but for all people, Thais and Farangs on the island trying to expose the scams along with lifting the image of Phuket and making it a safer place.

I truly hope the Governor and TAT realise what he actually did for the place and thank him with a farewell dinner. I would guess tho he will only get an escort to the airport to make sure he gets on a plane so that the Governor, TAT, J.J and the other jet ski operators can throw a party to celebrate.

I wish you all the best mate, you gave it your all but the corruption is cemented into Thai society and only a nuclear bomb will budge it a cm or two.

It is not just Aussie expats who will miss Him!

[sirfin]

I wonder what you need to do to apply?

Got lips and a tongue and like the taste of a......

Because unless you have a big heart and large set of Balls like old mate Larry, you'll be doing a lot of kissing and licking.

[bigbamboo]

Much better to go swimming with the grandkids........

Edited September 2, 2013 by bigbamboo

[stoli]

So he put his nuts on the line knowing he'd be out very soon? Perhaps not as brave as first speculated.

??????

[Isee]

Have to laugh at the few posters who want to put their hand up to take over the position. Trying to do a role in a country where the system is against you at every turn...why would you want to take on the anguish? The text message was quite clear - Honorary Consul or not, you are still just a farang and don't forget it!

[jacko45k]

I wonder what you need to do to apply?

Exhibit a degree of flexibility.

They don't like people who will not bend to their wishes!