Phuket Governor wants English speaker to assist foreigners filing complaints

PHUKET: In order to cope with the increasing number of complaints made to Phuket authorities by foreigners, Governor Nisit Jansomwong is looking to hire an English speaker to assist staff at the island’s Damrongtham Center (ombudsman’s office).

The Damrongtham Center was established to provide advice and information for people – both Thai and foreigners – about any issue they might encounter on the island. It also receives complaints and directly contacts relevant government organizations who need to be notified.

“Governor Nisit’s vision is to have at least one person on stand-by in the office in case foreigners would like to file a complaint,” Damrongtham Center Chief Prapan Kanprasang told the Phuket Gazette.

“We haven’t set anything in stone yet. Right now, we are just exploring the possibility.”

Gov Nisit told the Gazette his goal is to make Phuket a fair place for everyone to live.

“I have to admit that there are a lot of expats living in Phuket. The Damrongtham Center is open for anyone who needs it, but right now there is a language barrier issue,” he said.

“Having an English speaker at the office would be beneficial for foreigners, and would make it easier for the center to help people in trouble.

“If we want international visitors to come to the island, we must be able to support them. We are trying to do our best, but we can do better.”

— Chutharat Plerin