Phuket earthquake victims receive government payout

PHUKET: Residents in Phuket’s Srisoonthorn subdistrict whose homes were damaged by the April 16 earthquake received payouts from the government yesterday to assist in repairing their living quarters.

Thalang District Chief Naruenart Supattaraprateep led the proceedings in handing out cash cheques provided by the Phuket Provincial Office to 410 residents.

The funds were made available through the Provincial Office’s 50-million-baht emergency reserve fund, explained Srisoonthorn Mayor Worawut Songyot, adding that the financial assistance is being provided to 520 residents who filed complaints that their homes were damages by the April 16 quake, which registered 4.3 on the Richter scale.

“The financial assistance granted so far totals 1,354,000 baht, but not everyone who filed a claim could be here today, so we will follow up with the remaining 110 people to make sure they receive their payments,” he said.

Mayor Worawut added that Srisoonthorn Municipality has re-opened the center for residents to file complaints that their homes were damaged so that they can also receive financial assistance.

“Some victims haven’t filed a complaint yet, so we have re-opened the center until May 16.

“Any residents wanting to file a claim must bring their ID cards and the house registration books [tabien baan], and contact us at Srisoonthorn Municipality during office hours [8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday] or call 076-617803 or 076-272852,” he said.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong