Phuket rescue volunteers seek redemption

PHUKET: Volunteer rescue workers in Patong are demanding a clear explanation after being sacked by the Kusoldharm Foundation.

The September dismissal affected all 33 Patong volunteers, who were locked out of their operations center near Kathu Police Station.

The move leaves just seven paid foundation workers to continue the rescue work in Patong, despite the fact that Phuket’s thriving tourism hub is about to enter possibly its busiest high season yet.

Kusoldharm Foundation President Benjawan Tamphanuwat called the situation an “internal issue”.

“Those volunteers have done something wrong to us and we don’t want them,” she said.

The former volunteers tried to set up their own Phuket Rescue Volunteer Club to continue their rescue work in Patong, but their registration application was denied by Patong Municipality.

Citing a copy of the dismissal report issued by Kusoldharm Foundation, Patong Mayor Pian Keesin said the application was refused due to the “profile” of the applicants.

Former volunteer Adisorn Chaipolrit said, “If they don’t want us to work for them, that’s fine, but they must repair the damage they have done to our reputations… We have helped the community, but now we feel neglected and hurt”.

For an in-depth report on the issue, pick up a copy of this week’s Phuket Gazette, on newsstands now.

— Janpen Upatising