Tourism News

Tourism News Phuketwan Tourism News
facebook recommendations

NEWS ALERTS

Sign up now for our News Alert emails and the latest breaking news plus new features.

Click to subscribe

Existing subscribers can unsubscribe here

RSS FEEDS

The SMS telephone text message that caused distress on Phuket

Phuket SMS Blood Alarm Leaves Callers in Distress

Sunday, March 7, 2010
AN SMS appeal across Phuket for a special type of blood has caused widespread concern and heartache for the safety of a young child said to be dangerously ill.

The appeal first went out on Saturday evening and was still circulating today. Past and present office bearers at Patong Rotary Club, concerned to react to the initial appeal for help, passed on the SMS message.

At one stage, 300 crew members from three US Navy warships docked off Phuket were on stand-by to help. But calls to the telephone number mentioned in the initial SMS prove fruitless.

''We didn't get any reply,'' said Sam Fauma, a past-president of Patong Rotary who responded today to an SMS from Phuketwan ''It has been an exercise in frustration.''

The original message read: ''Plz plz plz forward this msg at least five members. A baby needs AB+ BLOOD immediately contact 0842271877 dont delete frnd . . .Ur small sms will save a kid.''

Calls to that number get the regulation ''Sorry, the number you dialled is not correct'' voice response.

It's worth noting that SMS remains the preferred method by which notification of local authorities would be made in the event of a second tsunami striking Phuket and the Andaman coast.

Phuketwan's advice is that the internet and local radio are probably the fastest means of spreading the word about a real community alert.

SMS is clearly subject to pranksters or perhaps mistaken numbers.

Was this case a hoax? Or a mistake with the telephone number? We still can't say for sure.

If there really is a child out there in need of AB positive blood, please call us on 076 236836.
Phuket Tragedies: Two Tourists Die Lonely Deaths
UPDATE A German tourist dies in the sea at a popular Phuket beach and an Australian has a deadly attack at a resort pool. His traumatised female companion flew home today.
Phuket Tragedies: Two Tourists Die Lonely Deaths


Kick-Boxing Norwegian Accused of Shoplifting
Latest A Norwegian tourist has paid 40,000 baht to settle a case of shoplifting against him. The mediated settlement avoids loss of passport and possible delays in a court hearing.
Kick-Boxing Norwegian Accused of Shoplifting

MediaWATCH: Thaksin Urges Rally Showdown
Phuket News Digest Thaksin boosts March 14 show; Sabotage fear; Phuket's media parties; 'Probe kid killings' call; Terror alarm in Indonesia; Boost for Centara; Singapore tips tourism growth.
MediaWATCH: Thaksin Urges Rally Showdown

Fresh Boost for Phuket as Iranian Visitors Fly In
Latest The Middle East continues to grow as a market for Phuket with direct flights from Iran set to begin once a week from later this month. More ME deals are expected.
Fresh Boost for Phuket as Iranian Visitors Fly In

Finn Tourist Family Disappoints Phuket Taxi Drivers
UPDATE Central Festival is prepared to have all its taxi drivers subjected to an identity parade to try to catch a driver who allegedly made off with valuables belonging to a tourist family.
Finn Tourist Family Disappoints Phuket Taxi Drivers

Phuket Governor Staying On To Meter Tuk-Tuks
Breaking News Phuket's governor has won an extension in that role and nominated meters for tuk tuks as one of his priorities between now and September.
Phuket Governor Staying On To Meter Tuk-Tuks

Comments

Comments have been disabled for this article.

gravatar

Clear evidence of a SMS hoax. But nice so many people wanted to help. AB + is available. Ask a clinic.

Posted by Lena on March 7, 2010 18:34


Friday March 29, 2024
Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa

FOLLOW PHUKETWAN

Facebook Twitter