Switzerland has officially inaugurated an honorary consulate in Koh Samui. This new representation will allow better support for the approximately 540 Swiss citizens registered in Surat Thani province, where a significant community of Swiss expats resides on the highly sought-after island.
The Honorary Consulate of Switzerland in Koh Samui recently opened its doors. It is headed by honorary consul Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, better known as « Khun Jo ».
Located at the « B2 Chaweng Terrace Hotel », on the road from Chaweng to Bophut, this honorary consulate aims to strengthen support for Swiss nationals in the region. Koh Samui island and Surat Thani province indeed have one of the largest Swiss communities in Thailand, with approximately 540 registered citizens.
The Swiss Ambassador to Thailand, Pedro Zwahlen, welcomed this opening by wishing the honorary consul « every possible success » for this « important mission ».
This is an honorary representation: it does not have full consular powers (no issuance of visas, passports or notarial acts). These services remain provided by the Swiss Embassy in Bangkok. However, the new consulate will be able to offer local assistance to Swiss citizens and contribute to the development of bilateral relations.