Phuket to hold ceremonies for mudslide victims next week
Phuket will collaborate with local agencies to host ritual ceremonies next week, aiming to build morale and honour those who perished in the recent mudslide tragedy.
Sophon Thongsai, director of the Provincial Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, stated that the event is set to commemorate the victims of the catastrophic mudslide that struck on August 23 at 5am in Moo 2 village, Karon subdistrict, Mueang district. The disaster followed heavy rainfall in various parts of the district the previous day.
The mudslide impacted 283 households and 576 residents, with 15 houses completely destroyed and 75 others partially damaged. Thirteen individuals lost their lives—five men and eight women—and 19 others sustained injuries. Local officials are ensuring adequate medical care for the injured and arranging both temporary and permanent housing for those displaced.
Volunteers, military personnel, police, and local organisations are working together to speed up repairs and provide financial assistance to the victims.
Several provincial agencies, including the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), Mueang Phuket District Office, and Karon Municipality, will organise two religious ceremonies near the disaster site.
A Brahmin Land-Turning ritual will take place on Monday, October 14, to cleanse the area, and a merit-making ceremony will occur on Tuesday to remember the victims. Environmental development activities are also planned for that day, reported Bangkok Post.
“As so many people died in the tragedy, no one has been wanting to rent houses in this area, and the land prices have dropped. We hope the religious ceremony and merit-making event will help eliminate all of these bad things, create a new beginning, and build morale.”
In related news, police have charged the Big Buddha Phuket Phraphutthamingmongkhol Sattha 45 Foundation and its president, Suporn Wanichakul, with forest encroachment and unauthorised construction following a deadly landslide at the site. Karon police announced the charges related to forest destruction and have referred the case to public prosecutors.
