Government puts end to Myanmar concert plan, cites security concerns

PHUKET: The first concert in Phuket dedicated to entertaining Myanmar nationals has been blocked by the local government, which has cited security concerns.

The “Myanmar – Thai Cultural Relationship Concert” was to be held in a field behind Bus Terminal 1 on Phang Nga Road, in Phuket Town, tomorrow night. The event was to feature Myanmar celebrities R Zarni, Ni Ni Khin Zaw, Han Htun and the pop-folk band The Trees (story here).

Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosutthirak, who sits as deputy chair of the provincial standing committee for internal security, today confirmed that he has taken steps to ensure that the concert does not go ahead.

“I repeat, due to security concerns, I do not agree with the idea, ” he told the Phuket Gazette today. “I brought this issue to Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong. He also does not think that it is a good idea.”

As the organizers have not filed a request to hold the concert, the provincial standing committee for internal security has had no formal way of banning it, Vice Governor Somkiet explained.

“Hence, I ordered my security officials to let the [concert] organizer know that they do not have permission from us to hold the event,” he said.

“But as I have not heard anything back from them, I have ordered our security team to keep their eyes open tomorrow.”

V/Gov Somkiet vowed to use the force of law to prevent the concert, if necessary.

“We will arrest anyone who helps push this concert forward,” he confirmed.

A spokesperson for the event organizer, who declined to be named and who was contacted via the phone number featured on the billboards all around Phuket Town, told the Gazette that he had “no idea” whether or not attempts will be made to stage the concert tomorrow night.

“I have no idea, please ask the Provincial Office,” he said.

Concerts for Myanmar nationals have never been held in Phuket despite several attempts. A concert planned in 2007 was cancelled for security reasons (story here), and another in 2012 was called off and moved to Phang Nga (story here).

The latest enforcement of the ban follows a crackdown ordered by Governor Nisit on security at all worker camps in Phuket in the wake of a mass brawl between Myanmar and Cambodian workers at a camp near Phuket International Airport on New Year’s Day (story here).

— Chutharat Plerin