Phuket officials consider postponing Christmas Day tsunami drill

PHUKET: Officials are considering postponing the Christmas Day tsunami drill in Phuket after receiving complaints from tsunami victims preparing for the 10th anniversary of the tragedy (story here).

“Several foreigners filed complaints directly to me saying that they don’t want to witness the full-scale tsunami drill so close to the 10th anniversary day,” Governor Nisit Jansomwong told Phuket Gazette today.

“They are victims of the tsunami and a lot of them lost their loved ones in the waves. I want to be sensitive to their grief.”

However, the drill has yet to be officially postponed. The date will be reconsidered in another meeting, which the governor assured would take place as soon as possible.

“Though the timing might not be right, the drill is very important. It is something we must practice so that we are prepared in case of an emergency,” Governor Nisit said.

— Natthaphol Wittayarungrote