Pm Visits Lanta And Phi Phi

Thais News

After a meeting with six provincial governors in the southern Andaman provinces, Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont led his cabinet members to make an aerial inspection of Phi Phi and Lanta islands, which are both major tourist destinations. Landing at a local school on Lanta Island, the Prime Minister’s group was welcomed by local residents, comprising Buddhists, Muslims and the sea gypsies there. They told the Prime Minister that they came to show their support for his attempt to resolve the southern unrest issue and that they would like to see the whole country live in peace and harmony, condemning the terrorists and separatists.

On this occasion representatives of the local residents and members of the Lanta rehabilitation group submitted a letter to the Prime Minister requesting his support for the bridges linking Lanta Noi to the main land and connecting the two islands of Lanta Noi and Lanta Yai. At present the villagers are using ferries. Land issues were also among topics they sought help for. They asked that specific town planning for Lanta Yai, which is now under a feasibility study, be reviewed as the locals were not consulted during the preparation. The channel dredging at Bor Haen from Koh Nui to Loh Duyong was also proposed. The Prime Minister told the group that he will ask the related agencies to assist the local residents. The group had lunch at Pimalai hotel before departing to Bangkok on the same day.

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, Thursday 17 May 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]}