PHUKET will have a new governor next week. Governor Niran Kalayanamit is being promoted to Bangkok. The new governor will come from a north-central province.

The ending of his key role as province governor in just a week's time brings to a close a relationship with the island that began when Khun Niran was appointed a deputy governor seven years ago. He was promoted to the key role of governor in 2006 and is highly-regarded for taking a stance on vital issues.

The longtime General Manager of Holiday Inn Phuket, Wolfgang Meusburger, told Phuketwan that Khun Niran had done his best for business and tourism on Phuket.

''I hope his successor is as good as Khun Niran has been,'' Mr Meusburger said.

Phuket is seen as one of the most important of Thailand's 76 provinces, largely because of the huge amount of revenue generated by tourism. However, one of the biggest battles that governors always have is with the national government in Bangkok. Khun Niran was no exception.

- More at www.phuketwan.com

Item -5--on VDO at

The Phuket and Phang-Nga Governors are being transferred to other posts.

Following the annual reshuffle in Thai civil service system, the Thai cabinet last Tuesday approved many new governors and high ranking officials posts as proposed by the Ministry of Interior. Concerning the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi, the moves are as follows: Phuket Governor Nirun Kanlayanamitr is replaced by Mr. Preecha Ruengchan who was the Governor of the northern province of Pichit. Mr. Nirun had worked in Phuket for 8 years, starting as Vice Governor and then promoted to Governor. Phang-Nga Governor Wichai Praisa-Ngob is transferred from his present post to Sing Buri province in the central region. Mr. Wichai has been Phang-Nga Governor for only one year. Krabi Governor Siwa Sirisaowalak remains in his present post. He has one more year to serve before his retirement in September next year. Meanwhile former Phang-Nga Governor Anuwat Meteewiboonwut who moved to Samutprakarn province is now named the Director General of the Land Department.

from Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) + Radio Thailand FM90.5 at 8.30am & perhaps repeats on Phuket Cable TV channel 1 at 7pm & 1am, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces & maybe Mazz Radio FM108 at 7pm in Phuket, Monday 13 October 2008 ear & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ (not yet uploaded) & www.YouTube.com/AndamanNews.com

(we are off air tomorrow, returning Wednesday 15 October)

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