The courtesy call, held at 2:30pm in the Governor’s Reception Room, highlighted growing interest from both sides in expanding cultural and economic ties, explained an official report of the meeting.
The ambassador was accompanied by a delegation from the Vietnamese Embassy and was received by prominent Phuket officials, including Siriwan Siharat, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office; Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of the Phuket Tourist Association; and Chernporn Kanchanasaya, President of the Andaman Coast branch of the Industry Council Southern Thailand chapter.
Amb Pham expressed Vietnam’s interest in Phuket’s model of tourism success and urban development, noting that both countries have long-standing cultural links and shared economic goals, said the report.
He also referenced recent high-level engagements between the two nations, including visits by the Thai Prime Minister to Vietnam, as encouraging signs of deepening regional cooperation.
“Phuket presents a strong example of tourism-led economic growth and smart urban planning,” the ambassador said. “We see many areas of mutual interest where Vietnam and Thailand, especially provinces like Phuket, can cooperate closely.”
Governor Sophon responded by reaffirming the province’s openness to greater bilateral engagement. “We are proud to host more than 700 Vietnamese nationals who live and work in Phuket. They are an important part of our community and workforce,” he said.
“Phuket is open to serious cooperation, knowledge exchange and future sister-city relations with Vietnamese cities.”
Both sides expressed a desire to build on existing people-to-people links and promote tourism flows between Vietnam and Phuket, said the report.
Discussions also touched on the potential for direct collaborations in urban infrastructure development, sustainability efforts and investment, added the report.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continue fostering dialogue between Phuket and Vietnamese provinces through formal and informal channels, including potential memoranda of understanding and business exchange programmes.