Phuket dwellers run for Turkey and Syria

The people of Phuket are stepping up for victims of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Early yesterday morning, hundreds of Phuket dwellers gathered to participate in a charity fun run to raise funds for earthquake victims. The run was organised by the Phuket Tourism Association (PTA), and supported by more than 16 local private businesses and government agencies.

The run started at 6.30am. The runners, including both Thais and foreigners, went around Phuket’s largest reservoir. Attendees supported the cause by buying shirts and bibs. People also helped out by bringing food and drinks.

In the evening, the PTA held the Living in Harmony Charity Concert. Bands including Amsterdam, Biggles Big Band, and the Phuket Lookthung Band entertained attendees, The Phuket News reported. The concert was held at the Dragon Statue area at Queen Sirikit Park in the main city district.

Other organisations that supported the run included: the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, Phuket Tourism Industry Council, Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter, the Phuket branch of the Federation of Industries, Phuket Real Estate Association, Kata-Karon Beach Hotel Operators Association, Patong Beach Hotels Association, Phuket City Development Co Ltd, the Phuket Health spa association, Phuket Boutique Accommodation Association, the Andaman Guide Association, the Private School Association Phuket, and the Phuket tour operators association.

All funds raised will go to earthquake relief efforts.

The massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkey on February 6, sending shockwaves throughout the region and causing several buildings to crumble.

As of yesterday, the death toll in Turkey and Syria following the earthquake has climbed to 46,400 people according to officials, The Washington Post reported.

Thailand has made efforts to support the people of Turkey and Syria during this disastrous time.

Earlier this month, UNICEF Thailand launched an emergency appeal to the Thai public, calling for people to help provide urgent support to the affected communities.

Thailand has also deployed a search and rescue team, and K9 dogs from Thailand are also assisting in the search for victims. Thailand’s Environmental and Social Foundation said in a Facebook post last week that two K9s, Sierra and Sahara, were going on a targeted mission in an area where a child’s cry was heard from beneath the rubble. The dogs did not find any survivors but did find one body.

Last week, the body of the young Thai woman who was killed by the earthquake was returned to her family in Chaiyaphum province in northeast Thailand.

A group of 33 Thai nationals was also scheduled to fly back from Turkey last week.