Andaman News Friday: Tsunami memorials PhangNga & Phuket; Elite Phuket calendar girls

[TV Channel 11]

Special - Tsunami Memorial at Chong Fah Beach, Bang Niang in Thakuapa of Phang-Nga
To see or download mini-video, go to ThaisNews

Special - Tsunami memorials held at Phuket, 26 December 2007
To see or download mini-video, go to ThaisNews
On the exact 3rd annual anniversary of the tsunami waves hitting the Patong shoreline with such destructive and devastating effects on that fateful morning of 26 December 2004, a date forever etched in the minds of local residents and all its worldwide guests, the first low-key but dignified memorial service was held at Loma or Dolphin Park, on Patong Beach, once again the busiest beach for tourists no longer afraid of tsunamis, confident in the Early Warning System set up at great expense. The memorial mourning services were held in the morning at about 9.30-10.30am which was the same time the series of killer waves released their wrath and anger on an unprepared and innocent community. 3 long years later, Phuket and Patong officials hosted a fairly small group of Patong residents and their international friends, to come together to pay their respects to Patong’s victims of the tsunami, at a formal Buddhist ceremony, led by about 100 monks, who chanted prayers and scriptures to appease the lost souls. The participants then offered alms or food and drink to the monks’ bowls, to make merit, for those families and friends long departed. Then the student winners of a painting contest about the tsunami were presented with prizes and plaques by the Thai Red Cross Society, in a symbol of hope and optimism for their future, that the lessons of the past tsunami will prevent such a disaster repeating itself here. 2 Swedish tourists who witnessed most of the ceremony, dressed appropriately in black, agreed to talk to us during this difficult time, bringing back bad but lucky memories, and also telling us why they return every year: “We’re from Sweden… I can’t say” Another couple, from Belgium, who also joined the ceremony, brought back similar memories of injuries, separation, and reunions with hope for the future: “From Belgium …. like our 2nd birthday.. Thank you for talking to us.”

Meanwhile in Kamala, the Japanese Association of Phuket, arranged a simple ceremony led by their Ambassador to Thailand, at their black memorial statute near the beach..

Also at the same time a ceremony was held at Mai Khao, in the north of the island, where the restored Tsunami Wall of Remembrance for all the victims’ was arranged alphabetically by their countries & near where the tsunami victims were first stored and identified in a temporary cemetery during 2005. A flower wreath was laid under each country’s name. with Buddhist monks dressed in saffron orange chanting prayers … and Muslim or Islamic leaders dressed in white paying their respects.

In the evening of the 26th December, just as the sun was setting on a peaceful and safe day of remembrance, as well as normal tourist activities on the beach, a grander and more lively ceremony was held at Patong’s Loma Park, by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation or PPAO, including school brass bands playing uplifting music, under the large inspiring portrait of His Majesty the King. The Light Up Phuket event attracted many more tourists and officials, hosted by the CEO of the PPAO, Anchalee Vanich Thepabutra. The main guest of honour was the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Dr Suvit Yodmani, and he was joined by the Swedish Ambassador to Thailand, Mr Lennart Linner and the Phuket Vice Governor Tri Akkaradecha, plus other junior diplomats and Consul Generals. Anchalee gave a speech in Thai, while the Swedish Ambassador spoke of his gratitude to the Thai people for their assistance after the tsunami, on behalf of all foreigners attending: “I only wanted to say one thing….we are indebted to the Thai people…. Our gratitude is truly felt.. Thank you.” The Minister spoke of his hope that such a tragic tsunami will never happen again, but that the deaths had not gone in vain, with a good Early Warning System now fully set up and better upgrades in hotels and tourism facilities plus personnel, especially more Tourist Police & volunteers, to welcome almost 5 million tourists a year to Phuket. A minute’s silence was impeccably held by all attendees in a solemn mark of respect to the victims of the tsunami.

Afterwards the Minister, Ambassador, CEO and officials laid yellow wreaths of flowers at a bamboo statute cloaked by two white angels lit by bowls of candles and softly serenaded by a violinist. Then in a final gesture of symbolism, to light up Phuket and its spirits, they and all the friends and families of the victims lit the first of thousands of candles in the beautiful sand of Patong beach, delicately shaped into various heart shaped holes, showing their love and respect for victims of one of nature’s worst ever disasters, the 2004 tsunami. After the ceremony we talked to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, now in the finals days of his government’s 15 month tenure, and asked Dr Suvit first if the ceremony and Light Up was just an attraction show for media and tourists: “No no, it’s for victims… thank you very much.”

Special - ‘Paradise in Phuket, Elite–Phuket Calendar 2008’
To see or download mini-video, go to ThaisNews
The Paradise in Phuket, Elite – Phuket Calendar 2008, was launched at grand party in FantaSea Theme Park restaurant on Christmas Day, as a present to Phuket & its visitors from the Provincial Administration Organisation and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The calendar was produced over several days earlier this year at various locations on the island, and whittled down to 12 for the calendar: at Jungceylon shopping centre in Patong, at Tonesai waterfall in Thalang, at the Phuket Gateway near Sarasin Bridge, at Nai Yang beach in the north, at the Heroines Monument in Thalang, at the Phuket Aquarium in Cape Panwa, at Cape Promthep in the south, at a Pearl farm off the east coast, in Phuket Town by old Sino-Portuguese buildings, at Fantasea theme park in Kamala, at a pineapple farm in Thalang, and finally at Sunwing Resort & Spa hotel in Bangtao.

We chatted to some of the foreign models, first appropriately to Miss December, really Stephanie from Brazil, who posed at the pearl farm, and was impressed with the photographer: “All the time, he took care… very hot so..” Then to Miss February actually Zusanna: “I come from Slovakia.. everything is nice” Mr.Edward Kitti, President of Elite Model Management, South East Asia, told us more about the shooting and introduced one of the 2 Thai photographers, Natee Niyamabhar: “all the beautiful places… he’s one of the best… “very happy … too bright” Anchalee Vanich Thepabutra, the CEO of the PPAO, told our reporter that she expects the calendar would help promote Phuket’s attractions among international tourists. All the organizers and sponsors assembled on stage for photos. Then the popular models held a fashion show in bikinis and modern dresses. The audience of sponsors and media watching.were joined by many passing tourists at the Fantasea restaurant who wanted to see what all the excitement was about. The models on the catwalk then appeared in more traditional and pretty Phuket batik costumes, before they posed with their own calendar pages. and more group photos, with the organisers & sponsors posing with their favourites. Afterwards Suwalai Pinpradab, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office, revealed to us the main aim and cost: “Yes, good chance for us; Elite proposed this project 5m baht … OBJ paid 1m, 4m baht from many other sponsors” “We will distribute to our oversea offices, if you want one.. ask my office in Phuket.." So if you want a late Christmas present in time for New Year gifts, telephone 076-212213 Fax 076-213582 or email tatphket@tat.or.th


A Phuket campaign for road safety is launched during the New Year Holiday.
In an attempt to keep the number of accidents to a minimal number, the Phuket authorities are joining hands with media to promote safe driving. One example is giving out a safe Teddy Bears reported to be blessed by a revered abbot of Luang Pu Supa. This is the joint effort between Radio Thailand and the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office. Other than that the police will set up check points while also being dispatched to patrol at various busy locations to ensure tourists safety while vacationing on the island. Meanwhile the local Administration Organization like Rasada Municipality is setting up check points from December 28th which is today until January 3rd 2008. The ad hoc centre will be opened today.


Residents in Wichit petition against another Tesco Lotus store.
More than 50 people from Wichit municipality led by Manoo Kheawkram went to submit a letter of petition against the license for the construction of Tesco-Lotus opposite the PTT petrol station in Wichit municipality area. The leader of the group stated that if the project gains approval, it would affect the small businesses there. If built the project will be the third Tesco-Lotus in Phuket with the second branch in Choeng Thale. The Cheong Thale branch was also opposed by local residents, but now has opened for service.

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from Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) 8.30am + maybe FM90.5 Radio Thailand 6pm, both broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket & Phuket Cable TV Channel 1 at 7, 10.30 or 11pm, Friday 28 December 2007 & Êӹѡ¢èÒÇ ¡ÃÁ»ÃЪÒÊÑÁ¾Ñ¹¸ì......ThaisNews »ÃШÓÇѹÈØ¡Ãì·Õè 28 ¸Ñ¹ÇÒ¤Á 2550
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