Princess visits tsunami survivors

PHUKET CITY: HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has visited Phuket to donate fishing equipment to survivors of the December 26 tsunami.

The Princess’s first stop was in Baan Khok Tanod, Chalong, where around 500 local people were waiting to greet her.

Phuket Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura told the Princess about two areas that were damaged by the tsunami and the 216 houses and 297 businesses that were affected.

Her Royal Highness then donated 21 fishing boats – complete with engines and fishing equipment – to local people, and presented an educational scholarship to student Nattima Sukaserm.

From Chalong, the Princess was taken to Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga, where she again donated fishing equipment to tsunami survivors, and met people being trained in batik making.

The Princess then returned to Phuket to donate fishing boats, kitchen equipment and scarves and caps to Muslim residents of Baan Bang Rong in Thalang, before leaving the island at 3 pm.