There are approximately 20,000 to 30,000 U.S. citizens living in Thailand and about 500,000 visit every year. The Post spoke with the woman responsible for representing those, Ambassador Kristie Kenney to talk about beaches, Thai friendliness and tuk tuks.

You served as the first female ambassador to the Philippines from 2006-2010. What do you see as the main differences/similarities between working there and in Thailand?

I would have to say one similarity shared by the Philippines and Thailand is the friendliness and openness of the people. Even though I have not lived in the Philippines in nearly two years, the good friendships I made while I was there remain stronger than ever. In Thailand, I am also continually impressed by the friendliness of the Thai people and I look forward to many more lasting friendships.

The biggest difference for me is language. In the Philippines, I tried my hand at some of the local languages, but for the most part I spoke English ? which is an official language there. Although I study the Thai language, my ability to speak it is limited. The good news is that I love studying Thai and will keep at it!

Is there a difference in the average request submitted from American citizens in the Philippines and Thailand? What was and is the most common advice/ form of assistance you offer to U.S citizens?

Our American Citizen Services Units provides a range of services and information to Americans who are overseas, from renewing passports and issuing Consular Reports of Birth to travel advice and absentee voting services. I would say one major difference between Thailand and the Philippines is the size of the American communities. In the Philippines, we receive more requests for services because the number of Americans residing there is so much higher.

You were in Phuket earlier this month, was this your first visit? What were your initial impressions of the island?

Yes, my September 9 trip to Phuket was my first official visit to the island. I was very impressed. I saw firsthand that Phuket?s economy goes far beyond resort hotels and amazing seafood restaurants. On this trip, I saw the diversity of Phuket?s business scene, including some exciting American-owned ventures, and had the opportunity to meet with students of all ages. Unfortunately, I didn?t have time to experience the beaches. I look forward to returning so I can explore all that Phuket has to offer.

How did your meetings go with the Phuket authorities? Did your agenda prove effective?

I consider my visit to Phuket a great success. My visit mainly focused on education, American business development, and the welfare of Americans visiting and living in the area. I enjoyed talking with students from the Phuket International Academy Day School, learning more about Phuket?s software development industry, and playing Frisbee with the wonderful children at the Holland House Orphanage.

I also had the opportunity to visit Phuket?s chief of police and talk to him about some of the issues that American citizens have raised with me. And at the end of the day, I enjoyed learning more about the newly formed Phuket chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, which includes property developers, educators, lawyers, and those working in media and tourism.

From your understanding what are the major problems facing U.S citizens resident or visiting Phuket?

One of the Embassy?s top priorities is the safety and security of American citizens abroad. Phuket is a popular destination for American tourists and we have a large number of Americans residing there. Like every resort town, there are things that can be improved. I would have to say one of the biggest complaints from U.S. citizens in Phuket are the scams involving the rental of motorbikes and Jet Skis, as well as problems with taxi drivers and tuk-tuks.

What is your impression of the 'problems' surrounding jet skis and tuk tuks on the island?

I believe these scams affect both tourists and Thai citizens alike and hope that the issues can be resolved. It is our duty to inform American citizens about possible risks abroad and I encourage Americans to register with the Embassy to receive the latest updates on travel tips and concerns for the region. All of this information is available at http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/.

Last month at the most recent Tri-Monthly Hon Con meeting, the Austrian Ambassador pledged to issue travel warnings on its embassy's website if the assaults, intimidation and over-charging of the tuk tuks continue. Would this be something you would also consider doing?

We already have several warnings regarding issues Americans should be aware of when they?re traveling in Thailand, including one about overcharging, in our Country Specific Information Sheet on Thailand, also available on our website. The Country Specific Information Sheet provides information like the location of the U.S. embassy and any consular offices; whether you need a visa; crime and security information; health and medical conditions; and drug penalties.

Are you pleased and satisfied that the situation of the Deep Sea Port blockade has been resolved?

I am pleased that the situation has been resolved. Phuket is a popular port-of-call for our sailors and they very much look forward to their visits.

Do you have any plans to attend the next Hon Con meeting and perhaps become more pro-active in diplomatic relations in Phuket. Or are there any plans to introduce an American Hon Con?

Phuket is a very important piece of the Embassy?s mission in Thailand. Phuket is home to many American citizens, a popular destination for American tourists, and a growing place for American businesses. I very much enjoyed my visit and plan to come again soon!

At this time, we don?t have any plans to introduce an Honorary Consul in Phuket. In fact, the United States does not have any Honorary Consuls anywhere in the world. But we are always looking for ways to increase our engagement wherever American citizens are living or visiting.

The new US Consul General Elisabeth Pratt also visited Phuket this month. It seems that the US involvement in Phuket is increasing. While few doubt that this is a good thing, is there a reason why?

Phuket has always been a priority for the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy makes regular consular outreach trips to Phuket, with the next one coming up on December 1, to provide services to American citizens living in Phuket. The previous Consul General visited Phuket often and there were more than a dozen other visits by consular officers last year alone.