Grateful Phuket locals praise army

PHUKET: More than 500 locals gathered at Sanam Chai Park this morning to offer roses and letters of thanks to army officers for their hard work.

The grateful group of local farmers, students, Reserve Officer Training Corps Students and Civil Defence Volunteers intercepted the officers as they were on their way to meet with Governor Maitri Inthusut at Phuket Provincial Hall.

“We would like to thank you for your work, and tell you that we support you,” said a Phuket farmers’ representative.

“No words can explain how happy we are that we will be getting our [rice-pledge] money after waiting for so long.”

Commanding General of the 41st Military Circle Peerapol Wiriyakul, accepted the flowers and letters.

Maj Gen Peerapol acknowledged that the coup had inconvenienced people.

“We are now taking steps toward resolving the issues, so that life can go back to normal as soon as possible,” he said.

“As Phuket is a holiday destination, the safety of tourists is a top priority. The army has been assigned to the island to maintain safety here, and although there is a curfew, tourists should still be able to carry on with their activities until 10pm.”

Gen Peerapol said that army officers assigned to Phuket will be stationed at the Tah Chat Chai checkpoint.

“They are here to ensure the safety of everyone on the island. However, officers will not be allowed to carry weapons into any public places,” Gen Peerapol affirmed.

— Saran Mitrarat