PHUKET: The Consular Section of the Australian Embassy in Bangkok will be undertaking a consular outreach visit to Phuket on December 23.

Hours will be 9am to noon and 1pm to 3pm at:

77/77 Unit 6D Moo 5, Chalermprakiat Rama 9, Rasada Sub-District, Muang Phuket District, Phuket Province. Telephone: 076 510111.

During the outreach visit, embassy staff will provide the following services:

.. Passport applications - please ensure you bring all original documents and a photocopy of each document with you.

.. Notarial services

.. Statutory declarations for marriage, retirement visas and driving licence renewals

.. Witnessing documents

.. Certified true copies of documents (please ensure you bring the original and a photocopy of each document with you)

Fees are payable in cash only.

Please contact the Consular section on 02 344 6300 or email consular.bangkok@dfat.gov.au prior to your visit to confirm fees payable.

A new Australian consulate-general, with a permanent staff, is expected to open on Phuket early in the new year in response to the numbers of Australians visiting the Andaman region.