Phuket German Hon Consul Dirk Naumann to retire
Alasdair Forbes


German Honorary Consul Dirk Naumann is to retire from the post next year.

PHUKET: -- German Honorary Consul Dirk Naumann is to retire from the post next year, he told The Phuket News this morning (November 18).

Mr Naumann, an art dealer, has been honorary consul in Phuket for almost 12 years, and garnered a reputation for vocally demanding improvement in the island’s dysfunctional transport system.

Now in his seventies, Mr Naumann says that he is in less than perfect health, and can no longer handle the rigours of the position.

He expects to hand over to his successor in April or May next year. The successor, understood to be a woman, has already been appointed by the German President, but her name is being withheld until her nomination is approved by the Thai Government.

Mr Naumann is the second high-profile honorary consul on Phuket to announce his retirement. His Australian counterpart, Larry Cunningham, stepped down officially at the end of September after eight years. A successor has yet to be confirmed.

Mr Naumann also had good news today – not for German citizens, but for Britons. On November 1, the British government relieved all honorary consuls, including Martin Carpenter in Phuket, of responsibility for providing notarial and documentary services to its citizens.

But, Mr Naumann said, under European Union regulations, Germany has the power to provide most of these services to other EU citizens, and he has had the go-ahead from Berlin to do this in Phuket for Britons.

The services include: Legalisation of signature and seal; letter confirming pension / income for Thai Immigration; witness of declaration of existence; affidavits / affirmations / declarations / marking of exhibits; witness of signature; and certification of photocopies of original UK documents.

Mr Naumann noted that he cannot provide affirmation of freedom to marry in Thailand, or the registration of births or deaths. For these services, Britons must still contact the British Consulate in Bangkok.

To make use of the other services listed, call 076 610 407 (office hours only) to make an appointment to visit the German Honorary Consulate on the bypass road, opposite Kee Hin.

Mr Naumann said he will stay in Phuket, “enjoying my time with my grandchildren”.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-german-hon-consul-dirk-naumann-to-retire-42892.php


-- Phuket News 2013-11-18

Bit of a slap in the face for Britain having Germany provide better service to UK Citizens than they are willing to. Probsbly cheaper too.

Just waiting for the same thing to happen in Chiang Mai.

'Services' to ex-pat Brits provided by FCO through Consulates is rapidly dwindling and their costs become ever more extortionate.

Absolutely shameful!