RUSSIA'S new Honorary Consul for Phuket and the Andaman region held a cocktail party for friends, local identities and the media on Sunday.

There were two stars. One was the honorary consul, 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.

The other star was the Mali Waterfront, the site for the party. It provides a pleasant expanse on Karon Lake, right on the water.

Everything was going well until it rained, forcing the chefs and waiters to race inside with a great spread of food.

The water also seemed to make some of Phuketwan's photographs go a little fuzzy. Or maybe it was the red wine and the beer.

Russian visitors are to be well cared for. The honorary consul has seven deputies, and offices in the five-star Malisa Villa resort at Kata Beach.

Phuket Russians Gain Top Honorary Consul
Some honorary consuls have just a one person representation on Phuket. Russia now has the services of a top Thai businessman, plus a five-star office and seven deputy consuls.
Phuket Russians Gain Top Honorary Consul

Russia's Andaman Leaders Set for Rouble Rush
Russia, world's largest country, is focussing its attention on Phuket, Thailand's largest island, and the Andaman generally. Look out for the rouble rush.
Russia's Andaman Leaders Set for Rouble Rush