A FIVE-LINE call centre is to be established from today at Phuket Provincial Hall administrative centre in Phuket City to take donations for Japan disaster aid on behalf of the Phuket Japanese Association. The number for donations is 076 216333. Japan was among the largest donors to Phuket after the 2004 tsunami. Phuket has about 500 Japanese residents. Practical aid items can also be dropped at Bangkok Hospital Phuket in Phuket City.


BANGKOK HOSPITAL Phuket, scene of a post-tsunami ''Wall of Love'' for the missing in 2005 and where many victims were treated, has launched a campaign to speed practical aid to the victims of the tsunami in Japan.

Those who remember the aftermath from Phuket and Phi Phi and Phang Nga are expected to be among the first to contribute. Japan's misery seems to be on a much wider scale.

Organisers are hoping for canned and dried foods; packaged edibles (air-tight seals); UHT milk and juices; warm blankets; tissues, sanitary napkins, baby diapers; baby feeding bottles and children's essentials; utensils, chopsticks, plates, bowls, cups (plastic only).

Drop-offs can be made at the hospital outpatients' section in Yaowarat Road, Phuket City.

For those at resorts with large quantities of items such as blankets, or cooking and eating equipment, please call Bangkok Phuket's CSR project manager, Pareeya ''Jum'' Jullaphong, who speaks good English. She can arrange a pick-up.

Khun Jum can be reached at 089 8678710. The main Bangkok Phuket number is 076 254425 ext.1284. E: pareeya@bgh.co.th

THAILAND has allocated 200 million baht to buy warm clothes, gloves, rubber boots, instant food and other goods to be sent to Japan in the next day or two. It will also send 15,000 tonnes of rice. One medical team has already been sent and another is expected to fly soon.