Accompanying Ambassador Godec were Consul General Kathryn Flachsbart and other officials from the US Department of State. Representing Phuket, the meeting included Deputy Commander of Phuket Provincial Police Col Teerawat Liamsuwan, along with senior officers from Phuket Immigration, Phuket Tourist Police, and other relevant agencies.
The US Embassy officials “arrived to introduce themselves and discuss the issues of tourist safety, especially regarding sexual assaults and crime,” reported Radio Thailand Phuket.
Other topics discussed included the implementation of the visa exemption program for US nationals and Thailand’s readiness to counter and mitigate the effects of various disasters, according to Radio Thailand Phuket’s report on Facebook.
Provincial officials briefed the US Embassy delegation on these topics, with an emphasis on creating safety and orderliness in Phuket to promote the island as a tourism destination.
Phuket officials also requested Ambassador Godec’s support in informing American tourists about the importance of correct behavior and adherence to Thai laws “to allow citizens and tourists to live happily in Phuket.”
Not mentioned in the report by Radio Thailand Phuket but highlighted by Phuket Police was the issue of Phuket’s effort to become a special administrative area with more freedom in budget allocation for provincial development. In the report by Phuket Provincial Police, this question opened the list of topics discussed by the parties.
The US Embassy has yet to report on the meeting but has already covered Ambassador Godec’s cultural activities during his trip to Phuket. As part of his visit, Mr. Godec enjoyed a sunrise run, spent time by the sea, visited the Thai Hua Museum and the Mai Khao Turtle Sanctuary, and delved into Phuket’s history.
"Terrific visit to the Phuket Thaihua Museum today! Learned about the fascinating history of Phuket from our very knowledgeable young guides, who spoke excellent English. Did you know Phuket was once called Jungceylon? The name dates all the way back to 1511," the US Embassy quoted Robert (Bob) Godec as saying.