Citing security concerns, Phuket declines sister city role with Bali

PHUKET: -- The governor of this southern resort province of Phuket has declined an offer to become a sister city with the Indonesian resort of Bali, citing security concerns raised by Thai private business persons on the Indonesian island.

The request was turned down during a meeting on Friday between the Indonesian ambassador to Thailand and Phuket governor Udomsak Asavarangkura, who was accompanied by several other senior officials.

In turning down the offer politely, Mr. Udomsak said Phuket could become a sister city with other Indonesian cities, such as Medan, in both educational and cultural activities.

He said the Thai private sector was still reluctant to have Phuket as sister city with Bali due to frequent terrorist events on that island in the past.

--TNA 2005-12-03

This is the kind of thing that terrorist bombs are meant to achieve.

Well done K Udomsak, don’t show any solidarity with the people of Bali whatever you do.