Phuket bans tsunami spirit ceremonies

PHUKET: -- Since massive tsunami waves slammed into Thailand's Andaman coastline on 26 December, residents of the southern resort island of Phuket have been conducting ceremonies to pray for the souls of the departed.

But today Phuket Governor Udomsak Assawarangkura indicated that the ceremonies would be banned, saying that they were having a negative impact on the island's tourism image, and that they were a reminder of outmoded ideas related to the belief in ghosts.

While stressing that residents were entitled to perform such ceremonies, he noted that the tsunami had occurred nearly 100 days ago, and said that it was time for such ceremonies to come to an end.

"When tourists see images of ceremonies being performed on our beaches, they're afraid of coming to Phuket", he said.

"If people have to perform these spirit ceremonies, they should do so in more appropriate places, such as temples", he added.

The governor has, therefore, banned all beachside ceremonies from early next month, when the nation will mark the 100th day since the tsunami.

His move was welcomed today by Phuket's tourism association, whose head, Mr. Patanapong Ekvanich, said that survivors should now look to the future by thinking of ways to boost the island's tourism sector, rather than harking back to the past.

He also noted that images of spirit worship might be anathema to tourists from developed countries.

Nonetheless, he proposed that the island hold annual ceremonies to commemorate those who died in the disaster.

--TNA 2005-03-30

Phuket bans tsunami spirit ceremonies 

PHUKET: --  Since massive tsunami waves slammed into Thailand's Andaman coastline on 26 December, residents of the southern resort island of Phuket have been conducting ceremonies to pray for the souls of the departed.

But today Phuket Governor Udomsak Assawarangkura indicated that the ceremonies would be banned, saying that they were having a negative impact on the island's tourism image, and that they were a reminder of outmoded ideas related to the belief in ghosts.

While stressing that residents were entitled to perform such ceremonies, he noted that the tsunami had occurred nearly 100 days ago, and said that it was time for such ceremonies to come to an end.

"When tourists see images of ceremonies being performed on our beaches, they're afraid of coming to Phuket", he said. 

"If people have to perform these spirit ceremonies, they should do so in more appropriate places, such as temples", he added.

The governor has, therefore, banned all beachside ceremonies from early next month, when the nation will mark the 100th day since the tsunami.

His move was welcomed today by Phuket's tourism association, whose head, Mr. Patanapong Ekvanich, said that survivors should now look to the future by thinking of ways to boost the island's tourism sector, rather than harking back to the past.

He also noted that images of spirit worship might be anathema to tourists from developed countries.

Nonetheless, he proposed that the island hold annual ceremonies to commemorate those who died in the disaster.

--TNA 2005-03-30

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Put off which tourists ? Foreign or Thai ?

Foreigners would like this kind of stuff - a bit of culture.

... he proposed that the island hold annual ceremonies to commemorate those who died in the disaster. ..

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I should dammn well think so too. He's totally out of touch on this one. Bugger the tourism industry - get the money that's already been donated, to the people.

Put off which tourists ? Foreign or Thai ?

Foreign and Thai,

asian tourists, special the Chinese, are afraid of ghosts . And this is the main business, not the "Farang"...

Regards, Patex

Let me get this straight.... If people don't comply with this "crackdown", then they will be subject to arrest for?? praying?

Hmm... that would make for a nice publicity shot for TAT to use. People being arrested and handcuffed and tossed into big trucks for?... praying?

just another day in the land of smiles - some half arsed self inflated egotist runing-off at the mouth- typical of someone opening mouth before putting brain into gear.