3 Examples Of Foreign Assistance

[NBT TV Phuket]

The US Embassy handed over explosive detection equipment for Phuket Tourist Police to enhance its security measures for tourists and residents.

Mr. Scott M. Bernat, Chief of Naval Operations, Force Protection Detachment of the US Department of Defense, yesterday represented the US Embassy in Thailand to hand over a set of explosive detection equipment worth 80,000 baht to Phuket Tourist Police. The set included scanners, flashlights and under-car detection mirrors. Mr. Bernat said the portable set will enhance the capacity of police in case of emergencies or for VIPs’ visits and that it will help boost tourist confidence in the area.

Meanwhile, Police Major General Decha Butrmanpet, the Phuket Police Commander led his officers to make a vow on National Police Day yesterday. Focusing on crime prevention and suppression policies, public participation in social order and security, the Police Commander also emphasized that his officers must assure residents and tourists of the highest safety.

Mini-video/photo on http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=146926

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During an official trip to Phuket, the Upper House Committee on Tourism members, led by its president Suradet Yasawas, visited Phuket Tourist Police. The group was welcomed by Pol. Col. Bandit Khaosutham along with foreign volunteers. Pol. Col. Bandit reported to the committee that volunteers are considered great assistance for Phuket Tourist Police to help ease barriers between police and tourists especially on languages, & creating positive ties. There are currently 20 foreign volunteers helping with the police unit. They go out on operation with officers as a team he said.

Mini-video/photo on http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=146928

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Patong Hospital has been working very hard since the tsunami last year to assist the affected local community, right in the heart of a world famous tourist destination, to recover from the disaster. Last December the 60 room hospital, with 110 beds and staff were stretched to their limits and performed heroics to save many people’s lives under very stressful conditions. They provided lots of free care for many affected victims and are continuing to closely help and save the community by constantly sending out teams, but they still lack enough ambulances.

Dr Thavisak Nedwong, the Director of the hospital, called out for help in donations of medical supplies and equipment, and one of his main wishes came true yesterday, when they received a new high quality ambulance kindly donated by the Zurich Doctors Association in Switzerland and Rotary clubs of Űetliberg, in Zurich, and the local Rotary Club of Patong. The ambulance is worth 2.5 million baht, with 1.5m of the funds coming from Switzerland, and 1m from the Rotary clubs, through their local and worldwide members. The key was handed over yesterday in a ceremony attended by Montawan Na Patalung, Assistant Medical Chief Provincial Office of Phuket, along with the chiefs of Kathu District, Patong Police, Patong Municipality, local Thai Red Cross and Rotary club members.

Dr Peter Tschudi, from the Zurich Doctors Association in Switzerland, explained more to us about their donation:

“Dr Thavisak said he would like to have a new ambulance and with this info I went back to Switzerland & we started an article in our journal, special for doctors, we started to collect money, because everyone in Switzerland thought this would be a good idea, because an ambulance you know what the money is for, nothing goes beside, Swiss Francs are going for this ambulance. “

He said it would not have been possible with out the help & hard work of the local Rotary Club of Patong: “We have got many help because first Sam Fuama, the former President, gave me address of Dr Thavisak – without him difficult to find…”

Dr Peter showed us the modern international standard equipment inside the ambulance:

“This car is very good equipment, you have here oxygen, for people with breathing problems, heart attacks, here masks for oxygen, vacuum pumps, for problems in lungs, if someone drowns in the sea. You have special equipment for blood pressure, this seat for nurse, there is the ECG, for defibrillation, if someone has severe problem with heart – you give electricity on the heart, so it begins to work again. Not over equipped but everything you need for an ambulance. “

Dr Thavisak in his thank you speech mentioned that they now need to train and upgrade their staff to use the ambulance properly:

“We also plan to improve the quality of medical personnel in the near future. Finally on behalf of Patong Hospital I would like to convey my utmost thanks for your contribution. Thank you once again.”

If it works as well as efficient Swiss watches and clocks do, then Patong Hospital can be very proud of its new ambulance and staff, as Dr Peter hopes: “ We hope so, it depends on the treatment, as Dr Thavisak said, he needs the human beings & nurses & medical staff to treat these things correctly.”.

Mini-video/photo on http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=146920

from Andaman News TV11 Phuket, broadcast to Phang Nga Krabi & Phuket & Radio Thailand FM90.5 Phuket, 8.30am Friday 14 October 2005 & www.Thaisnews.com