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PHUKET's new governor, Wichai Praisa-Ngob, held an informal gathering in the grounds of his new home today, attended by about 300 people.
There were laughs and tears, and a few surprises. The new governor shook a lot of hands and waied many new faces.
For those looking for an indication of what kind of governor he is going to be, we can only say: best wait and see.
But we can say for sure that he and his wife Thaisiga win the hearts and loyalty of the people they work with.
How do we know?
Well, about 50 people travelled down from Sing Buri province, where he was governor until this week, to wish the couple good luck.
The visitors sang a song about the goodness of the governor . . . the governor's wife was soon in tears, and before long, the governor was red-eyed, too.
Under a huge white marquee the media gathered as well. Some came in force from Phang Nga, where Khun Wichai was governor before moving to Sing Buri.
Among those who dropped by to greet the governor today was Phuket's Police Chief, Major General Apirak Hongtong. He payed his respects, even though he too is moving on at the end of the month.
According to the Sing Buri people, Phuket has ''a high grade diamond'' in the governor's job
After lunch, with the governor and his wife circulating under the marquee to meet people, the media pinned him down to ask some questions.
The dive boat sinking He said he needed time to look at the issues involved with the deaths of the seven on board the MV Dive Asia 1. But in principle, safety-conscious captains should encourage the wearing of life jackets at all times. Phuket needed a campaign for safety at sea in much the same way as road safety campaigns had been conducted. He said he wants to talk to everyone involved - boat builders, diving boat companies, everyone connected with sea tourism and safety.
The economy is a priority. Tourists need to be given a good impression. Phuket is famous, but there are other rival destinations in other countries.
Security another priority. Tourists need to feel comfortable and safe.
Phuket The island is a tourism province, so it included a variety of interests: business, tourism, residents. The aim should be prosperity for everyone, and a pleasant experience for visitors.
Garbage The island was small but had many people living or visiting, so garbage disposal is a priority. ''If Phuket is not clean, tourists won't come,'' he said.
Traffic The new governor hopes to make the roads better places to travel along, and will look at widening some routes on the island. He indicated he may favor the Patong Tunnel idea.
Andaman region Given his experience in Phang Nga, he said he thought he could help generate cooperation between all provinces, to bring tourists to the region and have tourists spend longer in total.
He praised his predecessors, including Dr Preecha Ruangjan, and promised to continue the good projects begun under their control.
His plan is to consult local people before making major decisions.
The new governor's motto: sincerity plus action plus sacrifice.
Khun Wichai is 59 - his birthday was on March 12 - which means he is due to retire at 60, this time next year.
The departing governor, Dr Preecha, was at Phuket's Deep Sea Port on Friday night to greet the body of Jumpa Sorntat, who was the Thai cook on board the MV Dive Asia 1, and last of the seven victims to be recovered.
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I am not feeling too optimistic after reading that! Life jackets on people on boats. oh sure that will happen I can see all the divers sleeping with their orange life jackets now in the cabin of their boats.
At least Governor Preecha learned to dive.
And about this: "Tourists need to feel comfortable and safe." Don't Thai people need to feel safe too?
What is the point of having a governor at all if he will get transferred or retire in a year anyways?
And this: "The aim should be prosperity for everyone, and a pleasant experience for visitors. " Does that mean all the greedy developers can continue to destroy Phuket?
Feeling very sad about Dr/Gov Preecha leaving.
Posted by VFaye on March 15, 2009 17:29