Phuket tuk-tuks join Thai flood-relief effort
PHUKET: The flood-relief effort continues in Phuket, where local tuk-tuk drivers were among those donating boats and other necessities to those affected by the worst flooding in Thailand in decades.
Karon vendors and Kata-Karon Tuk-Tuk and Taxi Club members yesterday presented Phuket Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkaosutthirak with 13 fiberglass boats, life-jackets, clothing and other goods to be sent to flood-affected areas.
“Thank you everyone who participated in this donation – thank you for showing your kindness. This shows that Phuket people don’t neglect those who are suffering and are in need. We’ll hurry to get these items to flood victims as soon as possible,” V/Gov Somkiet said at the donation ceremony at Karon Plaza.
Eleven of the boats were donated by vendors at Karon Plaza and two by the Kata-Karon Tuk-Tuk and Taxi Club.
Donations to the flood-relief effort may be made at any local administration organization in Phuket from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
The Thai Red Cross Phuket Chapter is also accepting donations.
Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha said, “We welcome any kind of donation, but after talking to governors of flooded provinces, they prefer to have cash.”
Phuket Provincial Office has opened a “Phuket Aid for Flood Victims” account with Krungthai Bank to accept monetary donations. The account number is 805-0-39733-5.
The Phuket Regional Blood Center is also calling for urgent blood donations.
Pornthip Ratthajak, director of the Red Cross Phuket Regional Blood Center, said blood donations are needed for patients in flood-affected areas, especially Ayutthaya, Nakhon Sawan, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, Ang Thong and Phitsanuloke provinces, where hospitals have been forced to close.
The Phuket Blood Center is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm; on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30am to 8pm; and on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm.
Contact the blood center at 076-251178 or 081-958 8854 for more information.
— Pimwara Choksakulpan
