Phuket rescue volunteers seek redemption

PHUKET: -- Volunteer rescue workers in Patong are demanding a clear explanation after being sacked by the Kusoldharm Foundation.

The September dismissal affected all 33 Patong volunteers, who were locked out of their operations center near Kathu Police Station.

The move leaves just seven paid foundation workers to continue the rescue work in Patong, despite the fact that Phuket’s thriving tourism hub is about to enter possibly its busiest high season yet.

Kusoldharm Foundation President Benjawan Tamphanuwat called the situation an “internal issue”.

“Those volunteers have done something wrong to us and we don’t want them,” she said.

The former volunteers tried to set up their own Phuket Rescue Volunteer Club to continue their rescue work in Patong, but their registration application was denied by Patong Municipality.

Citing a copy of the dismissal report issued by Kusoldharm Foundation, Patong Mayor Pian Keesin said the application was refused due to the “profile” of the applicants.

Former volunteer Adisorn Chaipolrit said, “If they don’t want us to work for them, that’s fine, but they must repair the damage they have done to our reputations… We have helped the community, but now we feel neglected and hurt”.

For an in-depth report on the issue, pick up a copy of this week’s Phuket Gazette, on newsstands now.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-11-06

bizarre. maybe they didn't have a work permit

No surprise. These guys have been in the news a lot lately. They probably all failed the drug testing. According to the link below, they also get arrested if they test positive.

Kusoldharm Volunteer Protest

Kusoldharm in disarray

The foundation management appears to have acted in the best interest of the public. I would rather the numbers be reduced to honest reliable staff then to have a bunch of yahoos running amuck. As I recall, there have been allegations of misconduct and incompetence for some time now. I believe management tried to deal with the situation in a co-operative manner, but some people were not willing to work with the trustees. No what would be better? Trained paramedics for the fire department and allowing the fire department to act as the first responders. (Ok, so I didn't use the disaster mitigation response team name, phooie.)

The foundation management appears to have acted in the best interest of the public. I would rather the numbers be reduced to honest reliable staff then to have a bunch of yahoos running amuck. As I recall, there have been allegations of misconduct and incompetence for some time now. I believe management tried to deal with the situation in a co-operative manner, but some people were not willing to work with the trustees. No what would be better? Trained paramedics for the fire department and allowing the fire department to act as the first responders. (Ok, so I didn't use the disaster mitigation response team name, phooie.)

Too bad they're not in charge of the BIB's too. Lock the good old boy gang out and keep the good and honest ones. There are a few....