Opening ceremony of Thai consulate-general in Qingdao, on Dec 1. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

There was an opening ceremony at the Shangri-La Hotel in the coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province, for the new Thai consulate-general, on Dec 1, bringing expectations of promoting cooperation between Thailand and Shandong province in many fields.

Chen Guang (left), vice-chairman of the Shandong CPPCC, Wiboon Khusaku (right), Thai ambassador to China, and Hataya Khusaku, acting consul general in Qingdao on Dec 1.

Taking part in the ceremony were officials, such as Chen Guang, vice-chairman of the provincial committee of the CPPCC, and Thailand's ambassador to China, Wiboon Khusaku, and the acting consul general of Thailand in Qingdao, Hataya Khusaku.

Thai student in Qingdao performing at the opening ceremony, in Qingdao, on Dec 1. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

Qingdao has had relations with the Thai cities of Chiang Mai, since 2008, and Pattaya, since 2011. This consulate-general is Thailand's ninth in China and will be cutting the Thai visa application process down to three days. The consulate is open 9:30 am - 16:00 pm weekdays.