Ricky Martin arrives in Phuket

PHUKET CITY: Latin American pop singer Ricky Martin arrived in Phuket this morning and met with Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula this afternoon at the Phuket Provincial Hall.

The Puerto Rican idol, on his first trip to the island, is here to provide assistance to orphaned survivors of the tsunami.

K. Bhokin, who conferred with the singer in private, said that the singer said he had found the kindness of Thai people similar to that of people in his native Puerto Rico.

“He wants to help with rebuilding schools or providing homes for orphaned children. He has also expressed a desire to donate educational equipment to students,” he said, adding that the Foreign Affairs Ministry would coordinate the aid effort with the Ricky Martin Foundation.

The Foundation was established to prevent sexual exploitation of children.

Following the meeting the singer went off to tour parts of the island affected by the tsunami.