Chicken ban aimed at easing ‘flu fears

PHUKET: Although there has been no effect on tourist numbers and health authorities remain unconcerned, an outbreak of bird ‘flu in 25 other provinces of Thailand has led Phuket Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura to ban the import of live chickens to the island as a precaution. Properly processed birds may still be brought in and Phuket itself has the capacity to produce 15,000 birds for the table each day – more than enough to meet demand, which is falling anyway because of the ‘flu outbreak. The governor’s ban followed a meeting today with the Chief of the Phuket Provincial Health Office, Dr Wanchai Sattayawutthipong. Dr Wanchai told the Gazette that Phuket has no bird ‘flu problems and that people could continue to eat cooked chicken and eggs without fear. “I still eat chicken – but it is very difficult to find now because many people have stopped eating it,” Dr Wanchai added. Pattanapong Akevanich, Chairman of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), said that tourism had not been affected but added that if authorities failed to bring the outbreak under control within a week, the industry could feel the effects. “We have meetings almost every day with the Phuket Provincial Office,” he said. “Most tourists understand that they still can eat chicken if it’s cooked properly,” K Pattanapong added.