Officials in Phuket have cancelled plans for a full-scale tsunami drill that was scheduled to take place on Christmas Day.
It follows complaints by families of victims lost in the 2004 tsunami, who said it was insensitive to hold the drill just a day before the tragedy’s 10th anniversary.
"We have cancelled plans to hold the full-scale drill on Christmas Day after receiving feedback from the victims’ families, who feel that the drill will bring back bad memories," said Santhawat Riwleung, chief of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Phuket.
"Governor Nisit Jansomwong understands that the timing of the drill is sensitive, so he has ordered it to be rescheduled," Santhawat told the Phuket Gazette.
