{"id":35577,"date":"2025-10-17T13:46:14","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T06:46:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phuket-times.com\/?p=35577"},"modified":"2025-10-17T13:46:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T06:46:14","slug":"phuket-honors-austrian-consul-handover-with-prestigious-ceremony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.phuket-times.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/17\/phuket-honors-austrian-consul-handover-with-prestigious-ceremony\/","title":{"rendered":"Phuket Honors Austrian Consul Handover with Prestigious Ceremony"},"content":{"rendered":"

Strengthening Thai-Austrian Relations Through Diplomacy<\/strong>
Phuket recently hosted a grand diplomatic ceremony marking the handover of Austria\u2019s Honorary Consul position, symbolizing a continued commitment to friendship, tourism, and trade between Thailand and Austria. The event took place on October 14 at Phuket Country Club in Kathu, with notable dignitaries in attendance.<\/p>\n

Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra<\/strong> presided over the event, joined by Austrian Ambassador H.E. Wilhelm Donko<\/strong> and Christina Lehner-Telic<\/strong>, Consul-General of the Austrian Embassy in Bangkok. The ceremony celebrated the contributions of Wanida Hongyok<\/strong>, who served as Austria\u2019s Honorary Consul in Phuket for over two decades, and the appointment of her successor, Montawee Hongyok<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Honoring Two Decades of Dedicated Service<\/strong>
During the event, Ambassador Donko presented Wanida Hongyok<\/strong> with a medal of honour in recognition of her 20 years of service to Austrian nationals and her efforts in promoting tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations.<\/p>\n

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\u201cShe played a vital role in building a bridge between Austria and Phuket,\u201d said Ambassador Donko, commending her long-standing dedication to strengthening bilateral ties.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

A New Chapter with Montawee Hongyok as Honorary Consul<\/strong>
Taking over the honorary position, Montawee Hongyok<\/strong> pledged to continue Wanida\u2019s legacy while enhancing cooperation in economic, cultural, and educational<\/strong> fields.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt is a privilege to continue Wanida\u2019s vision and strengthen Thai-Austrian relations through culture, tourism, and trade,\u201d he stated proudly.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Governor Saransak Srikruanetra<\/strong> extended congratulations to the new consul, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between Phuket and Austria.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis is an honour for the province and a sign of growing partnership between Phuket and Austria. The provincial government stands ready to fully support the work of the Austrian Consulate,\u201d the governor remarked.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Deepening Ties Between Thailand and Austria<\/strong>
The ceremony drew attendees from the government, private sector, and international community<\/strong>, highlighting the shared commitment to diplomatic and cultural exchange. The event underscored Phuket\u2019s role as a bridge between nations and its importance in fostering international cooperation.<\/p>\n

In related developments, Thailand\u2019s Cabinet has reportedly approved the sudden transfer of Governor Saransak Srikruanetra<\/strong>, just two weeks after his appointment, making him the shortest-serving governor in Phuket\u2019s history<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Strengthening Thai-Austrian Relations Through DiplomacyPhuket recently hosted a grand diplomatic ceremony marking…\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35578,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35577","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news","category-other"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t