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.
Replacing the full-scale drill will be a series of low key indoor events at a local hotel in Patong for emergency first responders.
"A seminar entitled ‘Phuket: Ready for a Tsunami 10 Years On’ will be held in the morning. It will be followed by an indoor drill for emergency response units from relevant departments in the afternoon," Santhawat said.
A full-scale drill will eventually take place in the New Year, Santhawat said, but not definite date has yet been chosen.
"We will, of course, announce the date well in advance, so that Phuket residents are aware of what’s going on. Hotels will also be contacted about it, so that they can inform their guests," Santhawat added.
