BRITISH Ambassador Quinton Quayle said today that Phuket must dramatically improve the quality of its beach warnings following a series of needless drownings.
One of four drowning victims over three days earlier this month was a young British man whose girlfriend had to fly home alone, expecting their child in about six months.
Navy lifeguards swarmed over Karon beach today and new warning signage was in place as the ambassador met the Governor, Wichai Praisa-nob, in Phuket City.
Three of the four victims drowned at Karon beach, the fourth at Surin beach. Two were tourists.
Many others had narrow escapes last week in monsoon surf, with its dangerous rips and undertows.
Ambassador Quayle said that visitors to Phuket needed to be reminded that swimming at Phuket beaches at the wrong time of year could cost them their lives.
It was up to the island's administration to make sure that warnings were in place, and that resorts told guests about the dangers, the ambassador said.
''Yes, yes,'' the governor said. ''We have started doing what's required. Next, we have to talk to the resorts.''
The governor said that professional lifeguards would be in place at all of Phuket's beaches in one month's time.
Critics have frequently complained that the warning system on beaches is inadequate and lifeguards often fail to perform.
Ambassador Quayle chatted with the governor on a visit to Provincial Hall with the British honorary consul, Martin Carpenter.
The governor was told by the ambassador that about 800,000 Britons come to Thailand each year. Mr Carpenter added that about 4000 more Britons, either through early retirement or business interests, made Phuket their home.
When asked by the governor to compare what Phuket and Samui had to offer, Mr Carpenter said that Phuket's hospitals and international schools were better. So were security and infrastructure.
''There's quite a substantial international community here,'' Mr Carpenter said.
The governor said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would be a visitor next month for the big Asia Regional Forum.
Ambassador Quayle, who speaks fluent Thai, told Phuketwan after the meeting: ''Clearly, Phuket needs to deliver reliable information to tourists that is honest and easily understood.
''The island also needs police who do their job properly.''
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One of four drowning victims over three days earlier this month was a young British man whose girlfriend had to fly home alone, expecting their child in about six months.
Navy lifeguards swarmed over Karon beach today and new warning signage was in place as the ambassador met the Governor, Wichai Praisa-nob, in Phuket City.
Three of the four victims drowned at Karon beach, the fourth at Surin beach. Two were tourists.
Many others had narrow escapes last week in monsoon surf, with its dangerous rips and undertows.
Ambassador Quayle said that visitors to Phuket needed to be reminded that swimming at Phuket beaches at the wrong time of year could cost them their lives.
It was up to the island's administration to make sure that warnings were in place, and that resorts told guests about the dangers, the ambassador said.
''Yes, yes,'' the governor said. ''We have started doing what's required. Next, we have to talk to the resorts.''
The governor said that professional lifeguards would be in place at all of Phuket's beaches in one month's time.
Critics have frequently complained that the warning system on beaches is inadequate and lifeguards often fail to perform.
Ambassador Quayle chatted with the governor on a visit to Provincial Hall with the British honorary consul, Martin Carpenter.
The governor was told by the ambassador that about 800,000 Britons come to Thailand each year. Mr Carpenter added that about 4000 more Britons, either through early retirement or business interests, made Phuket their home.
When asked by the governor to compare what Phuket and Samui had to offer, Mr Carpenter said that Phuket's hospitals and international schools were better. So were security and infrastructure.
''There's quite a substantial international community here,'' Mr Carpenter said.
The governor said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would be a visitor next month for the big Asia Regional Forum.
Ambassador Quayle, who speaks fluent Thai, told Phuketwan after the meeting: ''Clearly, Phuket needs to deliver reliable information to tourists that is honest and easily understood.
''The island also needs police who do their job properly.''
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To: Mr Quayle and Mr Carpenter. Come on guys, you've both been here long enough to understand that the Thais really don't give a hoot about public safety, be it Thai or Foreign Tourist. Police actually policing? Time to wake up, reality is a sobering mistress!
Posted by Noddy on June 18, 2009 12:32