Invite to tsunami victims and those injured

[TV Channel 11]

From Special Report on Andaman News TV11 & FM90.5 Phuket 8.30am Friday 9 September 2005
Mini-video with voices on http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=142768

With the ninth month approaching after the December 26th tsunami, the Thai government is now taking the lead on preparations for the commemoration event. Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Lipatapanlop on Wednesday called a meeting with related officials to discuss the theme and locations as well as how the commemoration will be held. The meeting has reached a conclusion that the commemoration will be an international event to reflect remembrance and sympathy to those who lost loved ones and at the same time mark the revival of the Andaman. The generous resolution by the cabinet on Tuesday that the Thai government will invite immediate families of tsunami victims, and those who were injured, to join in and sponsor their trip to Thailand, has received immediate international interest from foreign press, embassies and governments, especially from Nordic countries. The decision was reaffirmed by the Prime Minister during his weekly press conference in Bangkok yesterday. (voice)
Asked to clarify the offer, the Prime Minister said this covers the air fare and accommodation for relatives of victims.


Also yesterday the Head of Delegation from the Swedish Coordination Council for Swedish people affected by the Tsunami Disaster, visited the Vice Governor of Phuket, Niran Kalayamit, to discuss both the Thai government’s arrangements and the Swedish government’s own arrangements for ceremonies. We asked Mrs. Birgetta Darrell, to tell us more about her government council’s plans:
“We are in Phuket for 1 week to find a nice place for Swedish memorials on 4 & 11 November and also 26 December. We are traveling around – not yet decided where. Up till now about 150 Swedish people are due for 4 November and same amount for 11 November, and 3-400 for 26 December could be at our ceremonies.”


She told us that Swedish residents here in Thailand could also contact and apply through their website www.rsos.se
or through the Swedish Consulate, currently based at the Pearl Village Hotel in Nai Yang.


The local authority in Phuket is working with the private sector in preparation for the event. A committee to undertake the task has been set up as well as an information centre to provide accurate information to interested parties. Their website is www.phuketremembers.com