THE RUSSIAN market is suddenly hot and being targetted by Phuket resorts and the property industry.
Russians, it seems, are considered to be a hardy bunch who are more likely to weather the global economic crunch in 2009.
Many countries now have appointed representatives on the island but the Russians have gone straight to the top, with the selection of one of Thailand's leading businessmen as honorary consul.
The consulate office is stylish and large, in a five-star resort at Kata. Seven deputy consuls are involved, covering Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.
On Sunday a cocktail party will be held at Karon to welcome Soopakij Chearavanont, who among many other roles is Executive Chairman of True Visions and a board member of True Corp and various other companies, especially those in the CP Group.
He is also a special advisor to China Holdings Acquisition Corp.
Mr Chearavanont, who has a science degree from the College of Business and Public Administration, New York, paused in his busy schedule long enough to answer some questions from Phuketwan.
What led you to take up the position of honorary consul for Russia?
To understand my decision in taking this high responsibility we have to look back to the history of Thai-Russian relations. At the end of the 19th century, Thailand faced a serious threat of being divided and becoming a vassal state of foreign colonial powers. At that time it was Russia that offered our country a hand of friendship and used its international influence to help protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Siam. The personal friendship between Russian Emperor Nickolas II and King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) of Siam had also led to positive cultural influences between our countries. It is a well-known fact, for instance, that the Royal Thai Anthem was composed by a Russian composer, and that Thailand still has one of the world's largest collections of unique objects of art crafted by the famous Russian jeweler and craftsman Carl Faberge, which were mostly made as gifts to the Thai Royal family from the Russian court. And it is heartening to see that these traditions of friendship and sincerity, established between Russia and Thailand more than a century ago, are still alive today. This was most recently highlighted by the Royal visit to Russia by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
Given this historical background I feel that as a Thai person I have a certain moral obligation (in Thai we call it Boon Khun) to reciprocate the kindness and sincerity shown to our country in time of need. And I believe that by accepting this high honour of the title of Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation and by making every effort to successfully carry out the responsibilities that come with this honorable position, I can make my personal modest contribution to achieving this noble goal.
How important do you see the position as being for future relations?
According to the Statute of the Honorary Consul the duties of this institution include not only providing assistance to Russian nationals who find themselves in trouble or have problems. The Honorary Consul is also assigned the task of promoting bilateral relations between Russia and the areas under his responsibility, especially in such areas as trade and investment, culture, sports, education and tourism. That is why I consider it my direct responsibility to work for the strengthening of Thai-Russian bilateral ties in the above-mentioned areas. And given the good level of contacts with Russia that my team and I possess, combined with the strong support of the CP Group, which I represent, I believe that we can be quite successful in carrying out this responsibility. That is why I see my position as an important instrument for fostering closer relations between Russia and Thailand.
Do you have a staff to help you deal with some of the issues relating to the role as honorary consul?
Yes, my team altogether comprises seven deputies, each of whom is a respected and highly knowledgeable professional in his related sphere. And we also have a charming young Russian lady as our secretary and office manager. I believe, that together we can cope with any problems arising from the nature of this work.
Is there a growing connection between Russia and Phuket?
Yes, definitely. Apart from the fact that the number of Russian tourists visiting Phuket is rapidly growing year by year, and is expected to be well over 50,000 this coming season, we also see a growing interest on the part of Russian businessmen to invest in our province, especially in the property sector. Moreover, Phuket is drawing more attention from different regions of the Russian Federation, which are looking to establish closer contacts with this island province of Thailand. A few years ago an agreement to set up sister-city relations between Phuket and the Russian Far East city of Nakhodka was signed, paving the way for different bilateral events and exchanges in many areas. And most recently we have been contacted by the Mayor of another Russian city: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (the administrative center of Sakhalin island), who is also interested in establishing closer ties with Phuket.
Do you expect to see the number of Russians visiting Phuket increase this high season, or in years to come?
According to TAT statistics, the number of tourists from Russia and other CIS countries visiting Thailand increases steadily year by year. In 2007 this number stood at 280,000, representing an increase of almost 50 percent in comparison with 2006. Last year the Governments of Thailand and Russia signed an agreement abolishing visas for tourists, allowing visa-free entry to each other's country for a period of 30 days, which also contributed to the further increase of Russian tourist arrivals to Thailand. After Pattaya, Phuket is the second most preferred destination for Russian holiday-makers. In 2007 more than 50,000 visitors from Russia and CIS came to our island province. Unfortunately, as we all know, the recent political instability in Thailand has led to a decline in expected tourist arrivals, with thousands of people canceling their planned vacation in Thailand. But at the same time it is interesting to note, that compared to nationals of other European countries, the Russian market this year has seen the least number of cancellations due to political uncertainty. And we believe that the up-coming high season will see a further increase in the number of Russian tourists in Phuket, although it might not be as high as we had previously expected.
what is it about Phuket that Russians find appealing?
First of all, it is, off-course, the famous 3S: Sun, sea and sand. As you understand, in most parts of Russia the weather is quite cold, especially in winter. That is why many Russians would like to escape the freezing temperatures of December and January, especially in Siberia. And Thailand with its abundance of wonderful beaches and seaside resorts, warm climate and friendly, hospitable people is the ideal getaway place. As we all know, Russia today is undergoing a period of rapid economic growth which leads to a corresponding increase in the purchasing power of its population. More and more Russians now can afford to spend their vacation abroad and a growing share of Russian tourists are now looking for a more up-scale environment in their holiday destinations, with better service, accommodation and recreation facilities. That is why more and more affluent Russians are now turning away from the traditional and relatively inexpensive places like Pattaya in favour of the more high-class facilities offered by Phuket. Another important reason drawing Russian holiday-makers to our province is the still more or less unspoiled nature and sea environment.
The office of the Honorary Consul for Russia has been operating since May at Malisa Villa Resort at 40/36 Kata Road, Kata Beach, Phuket.
Russians, it seems, are considered to be a hardy bunch who are more likely to weather the global economic crunch in 2009.
Many countries now have appointed representatives on the island but the Russians have gone straight to the top, with the selection of one of Thailand's leading businessmen as honorary consul.
The consulate office is stylish and large, in a five-star resort at Kata. Seven deputy consuls are involved, covering Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.
On Sunday a cocktail party will be held at Karon to welcome Soopakij Chearavanont, who among many other roles is Executive Chairman of True Visions and a board member of True Corp and various other companies, especially those in the CP Group.
He is also a special advisor to China Holdings Acquisition Corp.
Mr Chearavanont, who has a science degree from the College of Business and Public Administration, New York, paused in his busy schedule long enough to answer some questions from Phuketwan.
What led you to take up the position of honorary consul for Russia?
To understand my decision in taking this high responsibility we have to look back to the history of Thai-Russian relations. At the end of the 19th century, Thailand faced a serious threat of being divided and becoming a vassal state of foreign colonial powers. At that time it was Russia that offered our country a hand of friendship and used its international influence to help protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Siam. The personal friendship between Russian Emperor Nickolas II and King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) of Siam had also led to positive cultural influences between our countries. It is a well-known fact, for instance, that the Royal Thai Anthem was composed by a Russian composer, and that Thailand still has one of the world's largest collections of unique objects of art crafted by the famous Russian jeweler and craftsman Carl Faberge, which were mostly made as gifts to the Thai Royal family from the Russian court. And it is heartening to see that these traditions of friendship and sincerity, established between Russia and Thailand more than a century ago, are still alive today. This was most recently highlighted by the Royal visit to Russia by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
Given this historical background I feel that as a Thai person I have a certain moral obligation (in Thai we call it Boon Khun) to reciprocate the kindness and sincerity shown to our country in time of need. And I believe that by accepting this high honour of the title of Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation and by making every effort to successfully carry out the responsibilities that come with this honorable position, I can make my personal modest contribution to achieving this noble goal.
How important do you see the position as being for future relations?
According to the Statute of the Honorary Consul the duties of this institution include not only providing assistance to Russian nationals who find themselves in trouble or have problems. The Honorary Consul is also assigned the task of promoting bilateral relations between Russia and the areas under his responsibility, especially in such areas as trade and investment, culture, sports, education and tourism. That is why I consider it my direct responsibility to work for the strengthening of Thai-Russian bilateral ties in the above-mentioned areas. And given the good level of contacts with Russia that my team and I possess, combined with the strong support of the CP Group, which I represent, I believe that we can be quite successful in carrying out this responsibility. That is why I see my position as an important instrument for fostering closer relations between Russia and Thailand.
Do you have a staff to help you deal with some of the issues relating to the role as honorary consul?
Yes, my team altogether comprises seven deputies, each of whom is a respected and highly knowledgeable professional in his related sphere. And we also have a charming young Russian lady as our secretary and office manager. I believe, that together we can cope with any problems arising from the nature of this work.
Is there a growing connection between Russia and Phuket?
Yes, definitely. Apart from the fact that the number of Russian tourists visiting Phuket is rapidly growing year by year, and is expected to be well over 50,000 this coming season, we also see a growing interest on the part of Russian businessmen to invest in our province, especially in the property sector. Moreover, Phuket is drawing more attention from different regions of the Russian Federation, which are looking to establish closer contacts with this island province of Thailand. A few years ago an agreement to set up sister-city relations between Phuket and the Russian Far East city of Nakhodka was signed, paving the way for different bilateral events and exchanges in many areas. And most recently we have been contacted by the Mayor of another Russian city: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (the administrative center of Sakhalin island), who is also interested in establishing closer ties with Phuket.
Do you expect to see the number of Russians visiting Phuket increase this high season, or in years to come?
According to TAT statistics, the number of tourists from Russia and other CIS countries visiting Thailand increases steadily year by year. In 2007 this number stood at 280,000, representing an increase of almost 50 percent in comparison with 2006. Last year the Governments of Thailand and Russia signed an agreement abolishing visas for tourists, allowing visa-free entry to each other's country for a period of 30 days, which also contributed to the further increase of Russian tourist arrivals to Thailand. After Pattaya, Phuket is the second most preferred destination for Russian holiday-makers. In 2007 more than 50,000 visitors from Russia and CIS came to our island province. Unfortunately, as we all know, the recent political instability in Thailand has led to a decline in expected tourist arrivals, with thousands of people canceling their planned vacation in Thailand. But at the same time it is interesting to note, that compared to nationals of other European countries, the Russian market this year has seen the least number of cancellations due to political uncertainty. And we believe that the up-coming high season will see a further increase in the number of Russian tourists in Phuket, although it might not be as high as we had previously expected.
what is it about Phuket that Russians find appealing?
First of all, it is, off-course, the famous 3S: Sun, sea and sand. As you understand, in most parts of Russia the weather is quite cold, especially in winter. That is why many Russians would like to escape the freezing temperatures of December and January, especially in Siberia. And Thailand with its abundance of wonderful beaches and seaside resorts, warm climate and friendly, hospitable people is the ideal getaway place. As we all know, Russia today is undergoing a period of rapid economic growth which leads to a corresponding increase in the purchasing power of its population. More and more Russians now can afford to spend their vacation abroad and a growing share of Russian tourists are now looking for a more up-scale environment in their holiday destinations, with better service, accommodation and recreation facilities. That is why more and more affluent Russians are now turning away from the traditional and relatively inexpensive places like Pattaya in favour of the more high-class facilities offered by Phuket. Another important reason drawing Russian holiday-makers to our province is the still more or less unspoiled nature and sea environment.
The office of the Honorary Consul for Russia has been operating since May at Malisa Villa Resort at 40/36 Kata Road, Kata Beach, Phuket.
