Phuket heeds Japan’s call for aid

PHUKET: The Phuket Tsunami Relief Center for Japan has been set up at Provincial Hall as a collection point for donations to aid survivors of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11.

The center was established on Tuesday following talks between Phuket Japanese Association President Kazushi Miyashita and Governor Tri Augkaradacha.

“Seven years ago when the tsunami hit Phuket, we received help from many countries, including Japan. This time Japan is suffering. It’s our time to return help,” Governor Tri said.

“I am very glad that the center has been set up to help our country,” said Mr Miyashita.

“Japan is short of gasoline, medicine, batteries, children’s necessities, blankets and many other things. But we prefer financial donations because it is very difficult to deliver goods in the affected areas.

“Trains have stopped running and many roads are still closed,” he said.

Gov Tri explained that all money received by the center will be transferred to the Ministry of Interior, then on to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will pass them on to the Japanese government through the proper channels.

Donations can be made in person at the center, located on the first floor of Provincial Hall, or by bank transfer to: Phuket Tsunami Relief Center for Japan, Account No. 805-0-41578-3, Krungthai Bank, Phuket Branch.

The relief center (076-216333) is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm and is currently scheduled to stop accepting donations at midday on March 26.

Meanwhile, Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Jungceylon shopping complex in Patong have also set up collection points where donations of cash and relief items are accepted.

For a report on how the tragedy is affecting Phuket’s Japanese residents, pick up a copy of the latest Phuket Gazette, available at newsstands this afternoon.

— Pimwara Choksakulpan