Dancing the doctor away

PHUKET TOWN: More than 2,000 residents from across the island joined Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan and leading Phuket figures at Saphan Hin on Thursday to “dance the doctor away”. The mass workout was organized as part of a Health Ministry fitness initiative to encourage people to exercise for at least 15 minutes a day. At the front of the movers and shakers were leading Phuket figures, including Governor CEO Pongpayome Vasaputi, Vice-Governor Niran Kalayanamit, Thai Rak Thai party organizer Dr Yada Palimaphan and Phuket Provincial Administration Organization President Dr Prasit Koeysiripong. Although only a 15-minute workout was planned, K. Sudarat showed that she wasn’t afraid to sweat, and led the aerobics-style dance session for a full 30 minutes to the rhythm of high-energy dance music. Before the dance, K. Sudarat awarded prizes to winners of an aerobics competition held at Saphan Hin two weeks ago, and spoke about the importance of keeping fit and staying off drugs.