Royal Thai Navy Expands Emergency Aid Coverage To Tourists

[Jai Dee]

Royal Thai Navy expands emergency aid coverage to tourists

The Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet is expanding its assistance service to tourists on the Andaman coastline.

The Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet, Rear Admiral Amornchote Suchirat (อมรโชติ สุจิรัตน์ ), revealed that the Third Fleet has been providing public assistance to travelers since the 2004 tsunami crisi. Royal Thai Naval aid centers were established on the Andaman coastline at three locations, Patong (ป่าตอง ) beach in Phuket province, Kao Lak (เขาหลัก) in Phang-Nga province, and at the Phang-Nga Naval Base, to provide emergency services. 22 personnel are stationed at each aid center

The Third Fleet Deputy Command says the aid centers' performance have been satisfactory, with more than 100 tourists saved every year. Rear Admiral Amornchote added that to provide complete coverage for travelers along the Andaman coastline, the Royal Thai Navy is increasing the number of aid centers by 3, at Surin Island and Similan Island in Phang-Nga province, and Lanta (ลันตา ) Island in Krabi province.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 April 2007

[NBT TV Phuket]

We had this news 2 weeks ago:

Mini-video: The Royal Thai Navy plans to establish more marine safety centres on islands in the Andaman Sea.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=212033

from Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) + Radio Thailand FM90.5 Phuket City, both broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, 8.30am & later on Phuket Cable TV Channel 1, Wednesday 11th April 2007 & www.Thaisnews.com {Our news text and mini-videos can be freely copied, but give credit to Andaman News TV11 Phuket or contact [email protected]}

The Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet has been designated to establish more marine safety centres in the coastal provinces of Andaman focusing on four vulnerable provinces of Ranong, Phang-Nga, Phuket and Satun. After it had activated one in Khao Lak, Rear Admiral Saknarin Charoensuk said his unit aims to set up additional centres at popular tourist destinations of Surin, Similan, Lanta and Phang-Nga Bay islands. The project was activated after the 2004 tsunami aiming at ensuring highest safety standards for tourists at sea. A centre will be fully equipped with well trained man power that is trained on sea rescue operations and first aid. The project is expected to fully comprehensive by the end of June this year.

[NBT TV Phuket]

Thai reports also just coming in today of a fire on board a passenger ferry at Phi Phi island near Maya Bay- we are trying to get more details now, & video for news tomorrow morning.

We now know: It was ‘Jet Cruise 3’ from Phuket – Phi Phi or maybe on return. 74 passengers and 5 crew were on board – but everybody safe now, no danger, ferry has now gone to Phi Phi Don island.

Anybody else have other info, photos or video on this fire?

if so, please email direct [email protected]

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO - A passenger ferry ship caught fire near Phi Phi’s Maya Bay in Krabi.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=213185

74 tourist passengers yesterday were safely rescued from a passenger ferry by Krabi Marine Police after a fire broke out in its engine room and spread out. The ferry, reported to be ‘Jet Cruise 3’ departed Rassada port in Phuket heading for the island of Phi Phi in Krabi. The fire broke out at around 10.30 am when the ship was at Maya Bay and the Marine Police were notified for assistance. Speed boats were sent to rescue all 74 passengers and 5 crew members who were safely evacuated and taken to Phi Phi Don. Krabi Governor Siwa Sirisaowaluck, who led related officials to the scene, told Andaman News that the authority had tried its best to accommodate tourists and passengers by providing food, clothing and accommodation. There were no injuries from this incident. He said the fire was presumed to have started from a fuel pipe leak and sparked by hot turbo engine. After it was evacuated, the boat sank in the sea.

from Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) + Radio Thailand FM90.5 Phuket City, both broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, 8.30am & later on Phuket Cable TV Channel 1, Wednesday 25 April 2007 & www.Thaisnews.com {Our news text and mini-videos can be freely copied, but give credit to Andaman News TV11 Phuket or contact [email protected]}