The Chinese government is preparing to establish a consulate to provide services for the two million Chinese tourists expected to travel to Phuket this year.

Miss Wang Huijian, as the new consul, today met with the Phuket Governor Mitree Inthusut, to discuss possible locations for the establishment of the Chinese consulate on the popular Thai holiday island.

Mr. Mitree said that Thai people have had a strong bond with the Chinese, as there have been many student exchange programs to allow these two nations to learn the cultures of their hometowns.

He also urged the Chinese consul to warn their tourists about the safety at beaches and strictly follow the warnings when taking ferries to other islands. In addition, they should regularly check the weather forecast during the monsoon season.

Last year, there were around 10.7 million Chinese tourists who have traveled to Thailand. Out of that number, about a million of them visited Phuket and that number is expected to double this year. Therefore, the consulate would protect the benefits of Chinese tourists and provide suggestions for Chinese tourists to travel safely in Thailand.