Vladivostok and Phuket may become twin cities this year

The parties are preparing a memorandum of cooperation that will expand ties in tourism, business and culture.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 5:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Vladivostok and Phuket are in talks to become twin cities this year. The initiative came from Primorye, and the Phuket authorities have already confirmed their readiness for an agreement. If the document is signed, the Thai resort will become Vladivostok's 18th sister city.

Why it matters

The potential twinning of Vladivostok and Phuket would strengthen ties between Russia's Far East and Thailand, boosting tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the two regions.

The details

Currently, the regional center of Vladivostok has established contacts with 17 foreign cities and districts, including in the United States, Japan, South Korea, China, and other countries. If the twinning agreement is signed, Phuket will become Vladivostok's 18th sister city.

  • The parties are preparing a memorandum of cooperation that will expand ties in 2026.

The players

Vladivostok

A city in Russia's Far East that has established sister city relationships with 17 foreign cities and districts.

Phuket

A Thai resort city that is in talks to become a twin city with Vladivostok.

Primorye

The Russian region where Vladivostok is located, and the source of the initiative to twin Vladivostok with Phuket.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

If the memorandum of cooperation is signed, Phuket will officially become Vladivostok's 18th sister city.

The takeaway

The potential twinning of Vladivostok and Phuket reflects growing ties between Russia's Far East and Thailand, which could lead to increased tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the two regions.