Phuket Governor Takes Action Against Rumourmongers

[Ferangled]

This post must take the prize for the most idiotic statement on this thread. Nice one TallGuyJohninBKK, your well thought out words and acute empathy for those that suffered in 2004 is a real heart warmer.

You're missing the point, and completely mischaracterizing my comments above, which had absolutely nothing to do with the 2004 tsunami or the recent large quake in the Indonesian Ocean.

The post here and the topic was referring to the recent LOCAL 4+ magnitude quake and aftershocks epicentered around Phuket -- not the much larger one days before around Indonesia that triggered the [fortunately false] tsunami warning.

I was ONLY talking about local reaction to the LOCAL small quakes, which had nothing to do with the 2004 tsunami or the recent warning. Reading and understanding what you're reading is a handy skill. You might try doing that sometime.

Posted 2012-04-20 10:40:19

Fear of recurring earthquake stresses Phuket villagers

Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- A team of mental health professionals yesterday visited villagers at Srisoonthorn Moo 2 to provide counselling after the 4.3-Richter earthquake struck fear into their hearts on Monday.

Data from the Thai Meteorological Department has identified Thalang as the epicenter of Monday’s earthquake, with the villagers being rattled several times a day since by recurring aftershocks.

Leading the team was Surat Thani Mental Health Center Director Dr Weera Churujiporn and Suansaranrom Hospital (Surat Thani) Director Dr Pongkasem Kaimook, along with Vachira Phuket Hospital psychiatrist Dr Padtaree Pinkaew, doctors from Thalang Hospital and healthcare workers

Dr Pongkasem said the villagers were more scared of the local earthquake than they were of the major quakes that struck off northern Sumatra on April 11.

“The villagers were not directly affected by [the tsunami in ] 2004, but they have never before experienced an earthquake like they did on Monday,” said Dr Pongkasem.

“They feel unsafe and worry about the situation. Many of the villagers were so stressed that I prescribed them anti-stress pills,” he said.

http://www.thaivisa....ke#entry5239583

So I stand by my original point... Generally speaking, no need to get stressed about the 4+ quakes... But when the numbers get to 6 or 7 or more, that's the time to start stressing.

Oh that was your original point was it?! I suggest you take your own advice and apply it when reading back your own words. Squirm all you like but having read what you posted, I understood that it was complete tasteless BS and thought I'd point that out:

"I've lived through 6.5+ magnitude earthquakes centered near where I was staying at the time... What the heck are the Thais getting all worked up about over some pissy little temblors... They have no clue what a real BIG earthquake would do to their lives."

I simply pointed out what a crass statement this is and illustrated that if you actually take this in context of the situation it's A. Distasteful and B. quite clear why people would "get all worked up".

It's a shame that you feel the need to try to further justify what was clearly a rash, thoughtless generalization rather than simply retracting it.

I didn't even touch on the fact that you are conveniently grouping the entire population of Thailand in your sweeping statements - "What the heck are the Thais..." "They have no clue...", Which is borderline racist.

The reality is that "Thai" opinion can't be conveniently rolled into a single point of view for you to berate, each Thai is an individual with their own thoughts and feelings on the matter. I guess you don't live in Phuket because it's pretty bloody obvious here that the vast majority of people aren't overreacting, but are getting on with life as normal, albeit wary of future developments.

[Kananga]

This post must take the prize for the most idiotic statement on this thread. Nice one TallGuyJohninBKK, your well thought out words and acute empathy for those that suffered in 2004 is a real heart warmer.

You're missing the point, and completely mischaracterizing my comments above, which had absolutely nothing to do with the 2004 tsunami or the recent large quake in the Indonesian Ocean.

The post here and the topic was referring to the recent LOCAL 4+ magnitude quake and aftershocks epicentered around Phuket -- not the much larger one days before around Indonesia that triggered the [fortunately false] tsunami warning.

I was ONLY talking about local reaction to the LOCAL small quakes, which had nothing to do with the 2004 tsunami or the recent warning. Reading and understanding what you're reading is a handy skill. You might try doing that sometime.

Posted 2012-04-20 10:40:19

Fear of recurring earthquake stresses Phuket villagers

Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- A team of mental health professionals yesterday visited villagers at Srisoonthorn Moo 2 to provide counselling after the 4.3-Richter earthquake struck fear into their hearts on Monday.

Data from the Thai Meteorological Department has identified Thalang as the epicenter of Monday’s earthquake, with the villagers being rattled several times a day since by recurring aftershocks.

Leading the team was Surat Thani Mental Health Center Director Dr Weera Churujiporn and Suansaranrom Hospital (Surat Thani) Director Dr Pongkasem Kaimook, along with Vachira Phuket Hospital psychiatrist Dr Padtaree Pinkaew, doctors from Thalang Hospital and healthcare workers

Dr Pongkasem said the villagers were more scared of the local earthquake than they were of the major quakes that struck off northern Sumatra on April 11.

“The villagers were not directly affected by [the tsunami in ] 2004, but they have never before experienced an earthquake like they did on Monday,” said Dr Pongkasem.

“They feel unsafe and worry about the situation. Many of the villagers were so stressed that I prescribed them anti-stress pills,” he said.

http://www.thaivisa....ke#entry5239583

So I stand by my original point... Generally speaking, no need to get stressed about the 4+ quakes... But when the numbers get to 6 or 7 or more, that's the time to start stressing.

Oh that was your original point was it?! I suggest you take your own advice and apply it when reading back your own words. Squirm all you like but having read what you posted, I understood that it was complete tasteless BS and thought I'd point that out:

"I've lived through 6.5+ magnitude earthquakes centered near where I was staying at the time... What the heck are the Thais getting all worked up about over some pissy little temblors... They have no clue what a real BIG earthquake would do to their lives."

I simply pointed out what a crass statement this is and illustrated that if you actually take this in context of the situation it's A. Distasteful and B. quite clear why people would "get all worked up".

It's a shame that you feel the need to try to further justify what was clearly a rash, thoughtless generalization rather than simply retracting it.

I didn't even touch on the fact that you are conveniently grouping the entire population of Thailand in your sweeping statements - "What the heck are the Thais..." "They have no clue...", Which is borderline racist.

The reality is that "Thai" opinion can't be conveniently rolled into a single point of view for you to berate, each Thai is an individual with their own thoughts and feelings on the matter. I guess you don't live in Phuket because it's pretty bloody obvious here that the vast majority of people aren't overreacting, but are getting on with life as normal, albeit wary of future developments.

Agreed.

[samsiam]

Where will the new west coast be ??

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I guess you don't live in Phuket because it's pretty bloody obvious here that the vast majority of people aren't overreacting, but are getting on with life as normal, albeit wary of future developments.

Ahh, I see... So everyone needs to pay attention to your opinion...and let's just completely disregard the article that was the OP in this thread and what it reported....

PHUKET: -- Phuket Governor Tri Akaradecha on Friday ordered that a complaint be filed with police against persons spreading rumours that doomsday will arrive in Phuket by April 28.

The rumours have been spreading like wildfire ever since a quake rocked Phuket on Monday causing panic among many locals. Several aftershocks have followed, with a tremor of 3.2 magnitude felt at 2am on Friday.

Just another normal day in Phuket...with rumors of doomsday abounding among Thais...

That report and the opinions it reflects was the basis of my post on the people, as the article puts it "many locals," holding those silly, uneducated, unscientific views.

Edited April 23, 2012 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[stevenl]

I didn't even touch on the fact that you are conveniently grouping the entire population of Thailand in your sweeping statements - "What the heck are the Thais..." "They have no clue...", Which is borderline racist.

The reality is that "Thai" opinion can't be conveniently rolled into a single point of view for you to berate, each Thai is an individual with their own thoughts and feelings on the matter. I guess you don't live in Phuket because it's pretty bloody obvious here that the vast majority of people aren't overreacting, but are getting on with life as normal, albeit wary of future developments.

Very politically correct.

I don't know about majority or not, did not do any polling, but life is going as normal, and I don't see anybody 'wary of future developments'.

[Ferangled]

I didn't even touch on the fact that you are conveniently grouping the entire population of Thailand in your sweeping statements - "What the heck are the Thais..." "They have no clue...", Which is borderline racist.

The reality is that "Thai" opinion can't be conveniently rolled into a single point of view for you to berate, each Thai is an individual with their own thoughts and feelings on the matter. I guess you don't live in Phuket because it's pretty bloody obvious here that the vast majority of people aren't overreacting, but are getting on with life as normal, albeit wary of future developments.

Very politically correct.

I don't know about majority or not, did not do any polling, but life is going as normal, and I don't see anybody 'wary of future developments'.

Don't know about "politically" but it seems correct to me.

I'm not sure what your getting at, do you expect anyone with any concern over future tsunamis/ quakes to wear a placard around their neck so that you can easily identify them? Or should they file around to your house to lodge their concerns with you?!

It's fairly clear to anyone actually living in Phuket that there is no widespread panic and people are going about life as normal albeit wary of future developments. If you don't feel people are concerned about future earthquakes/ Tsunamis then I suggest you should get out more and talk to some of your fellow Phuketians.

[Ferangled]

I guess you don't live in Phuket because it's pretty bloody obvious here that the vast majority of people aren't overreacting, but are getting on with life as normal, albeit wary of future developments.

Ahh, I see... So everyone needs to pay attention to your opinion...and let's just completely disregard the article that was the OP in this thread and what it reported....

PHUKET: -- Phuket Governor Tri Akaradecha on Friday ordered that a complaint be filed with police against persons spreading rumours that doomsday will arrive in Phuket by April 28.

The rumours have been spreading like wildfire ever since a quake rocked Phuket on Monday causing panic among many locals. Several aftershocks have followed, with a tremor of 3.2 magnitude felt at 2am on Friday.

Just another normal day in Phuket...with rumors of doomsday abounding among Thais...

That report and the opinions it reflects was the basis of my post on the people, as the article puts it "many locals," holding those silly, uneducated, unscientific views.

I haven't suggested that anyone needs to pay attention to my opinion, I haven't even stated it, merely pointed out that yours is pure BS.

"I've lived through 6.5+ magnitude earthquakes centered near where I was staying at the time... What the heck are the Thais getting all worked up about over some pissy little temblors... They have no clue what a real BIG earthquake would do to their lives."

As far as " silly, uneducated, unscientific views" go, I can't find a better example of this than your own.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Obviously, you seem to not know the difference between a bunch of 4 mag quakes that barely anyone notices vs. 7 magnitude quakes that can easily level large buildings. I'll cease trying to correct you from your ignorance.

[Kananga]

Obviously, you seem to not know the difference between a bunch of 4 mag quakes that barely anyone notices vs. 7 magnitude quakes that can easily level large buildings. I'll cease trying to correct you from your ignorance.

You really seem to need this spelt out for you in very simple terms.

You said Thais have no clue what a real BIG earthquake would do their lives. You were not talking about 4 mag quakes when you specifically wrote real BIG earthquakes. Many people have replied telling you that Thais do know what real BIG earthquakes would do to their lives as thousands of Thais died as a direct result of the real BIG earthquake off the coast of Indonesia in 2004.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I was talking specifically and only about earthquakes centered there in Phuket... the ones recently... That's what the OP post in this thread is/was about.

Not the effects of a tsunami from large earthquakes hundreds of miles away in a different country.

Phuket was leveled back then and lives were lost by a tsunami... not by a 4 mag earthquake epicentered there in Phuket. Those two things are not the same.

The Indonesians do know about real earthquakes... The Thai's dont. But they certainly do know about tsunamis.

Edited April 23, 2012 by LivinginKata
flame removed

[Kananga]

I was talking specifically and only about earthquakes centered there in Phuket... the ones recently...

Not the effects of a tsunami from large earthquakes hundreds of miles away in a different country.

Phuket was leveled back then and lives were lost by a tsunami... not by a 4 mag earthquake epicentered there in Phuket.

The Indonesians do know about real earthquakes... The Thai's dont.

Haha, ok if you say so. You're not fooling anyone though.

You better be more specific in future if you are trying to sell the concept that Thais know about the destruction caused in Phuket by big earthquakes that start in other countries but not ones that happen in Phuket itself. LOL!

Edited April 23, 2012 by LivinginKata
response to previous flame removed

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

This info from one of Richard Barrow's websites on the largest earthquake ever felt in Thailand...

The largest earthquake ever in Thailand was magnitude 5.9 in Kanchanaburi province in 1983.

And this recently from Thailand's national news bureau:

National Disaster Warning Center: Slim chance of major quake in Thailand

BANGKOK, 21 April 2012 (NNT) – The National Disaster Warning Center has affirmed that there is a slim chance for Thailand to experience a major earthquake while assuring that the country's warning system is of high efficiency.

During this week's “Yingluck Government Meets the People” program, National Disaster Warning Center director, Group Captain Somsak Khaosuwan said that the public should not panic over recent earthquake and aftershocks in the South of Thailand, as the chance of major tremors in the country is very small.

Mr. Somsak added that experts have also estimated that the largest quake that can occur in Thailand will not measure at more than 6.0 magnitude on the Richter scale.

There's many many places in the world that experience far larger than 6.0 magnitude quakes. That's why most people don't even blink when 4 mag earthquakes come along.

Edited April 23, 2012 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[taninthai]

I made one of the first replies to your post that has since had 10 likes

How many likes did your comment attract?stop digging yourself a deeper hole your comment was wrong and not needed.

[bigbamboo]

Where will the new west coast be ??

Consult your local wealthy politician...... he will have bought the land already.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I made one of the first replies to your post that has since had 10 likes

How many likes did your comment attract?stop digging yourself a deeper hole your comment was wrong and not needed.

To all those who don't know or can't tell the difference between an earthquake and a tsunami, my heartfelt apologies.

[Kananga]

I made one of the first replies to your post that has since had 10 likes

How many likes did your comment attract?stop digging yourself a deeper hole your comment was wrong and not needed.

To all those who don't know or can't tell the difference between an earthquake and a tsunami, my heartfelt apologies.

You mean you don't know that a tsunami is a direct result of a lagre earthquake? And you are trying to preach about knowing more about earthquakes than Thais. Even Thais know that earthquakes cause tsunamis.

and to think you were attempting to call me dense...

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Point me to the last time a significant tsunami was caused by a 4 magnitude earthquake, please?

The rest of your comment doesn't deserve any further answer.

Edited April 23, 2012 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[Kananga]

Point me to the last time a significant tsunami was caused by a 4 magnitude earthquake, please?

The rest of your comment doesn't deserve any further answer.

So when you were saying, and I quote They have no clue what a real BIG earthquake would do to their lives." you were referring to a 4 magnitude earthquake? Yeah, thats real BIG

I have to admit you're getting funnier and funnier. Or should that read deeper and deeper.

Edited April 23, 2012 by Kananga

[stevenl]

Phuket was leveled back then

This is a very big misconception. Phuket was not leveled, far from it. Only certain buildings directly on the beach were damaged.

[Ferangled]

It amazes me that people can spout such complete nonsense then proceed to dig themselves deeper and deeper trying to defend their ridiculous statements. Too long in Thailand maybe, better to try to save face than simply admit you made a crass and idiotic statement?

It doesn't matter how much you argue the toss, the fact is that most Thai people are well aware of the possible dangers resulting from Earthquakes having suffered as a result of the Tsunami caused by the 2004 Indonesian earthquake.

Fortunately it seems we are now far better prepared, with public awareness raised and warning systems in place. Hence the Tsunami warnings/ evacuations following the first Sumatran earthquake, prior to the Phuket quake. If you can't see that these other events are entirely relevant to the scenario than you need some basic education in cause and effect.

In between large, distant trembles felt from the recent quakes off Sumatra, Phuket experienced a small earthquake and over 20 minor aftershocks. In my humble opinion, anyone reacting to these events with concern is entirely justified, especially given that many experts see these events as linked and some predict an even larger earthquake in the same region that caused the 2004 disaster...

The reality however, despite some sensationalist articles citing widespread panic in Phuket, is that most people are just getting on with their day to day lives and any "doomsday rumors" are from an isolated minority. I have made Phuket home with my wife and children, I am not Thai but I am wary of the situation; I'm not running around spreading rumors or predicting the end of the world, I am quietly wary of the situation and keeping up to date with any related news articles & studies. To me that seems the rational thing to do, sorry if that leaves me open to attack from deranged TV members...

I fail to see that this situation requires any childlike criticism of Thais as a whole, made with a total lack of sensitivity to the events of 2004.

It’s a shame you didn't read the link you posted:

“This info from one of Richard Barrow's websites on the largest earthquake ever felt in Thailand...”

The author addresses everything that you failed to in his article, citing the 2004 Tsunami as a basis for worry, the fact that the Sumatran quake was felt just prior to the Phuket quake etc. A slightly more balanced opinion than the one you expressed!

Your original comment:

"I've lived through 6.5+ magnitude earthquakes centered near where I was staying at the time... What the heck are the Thais getting all worked up about over some pissy little temblors... They have no clue what a real BIG earthquake would do to their lives."

The article you reference:

“As it turned out, many people in Southern Thailand, and even in Bangkok, felt this tremor. Immediately, people along the West coast started to panic. And for good reason as many of them remembered the devastating Tsunami in 2004. Fortunately nothing happened. But then, another quake hit. This time it was centered around Talang District in Phuket itself. The first 4.3 quake struck Phuket at 4.44pm on Monday 16th April, followed two minutes later by the 5.7 quake. Since then, there has been many minor aftershocks which could continue for several more weeks.”

It's quite refreshing to have someone post a link to an article totally contrary to their own comments, it almost reads as an answer to your ridiculous statement!

[samsiam]

I made one of the first replies to your post that has since had 10 likes

So there.

[Jimi007]

I made one of the first replies to your post that has since had 10 likes

So there.

Brilliant post. My wife was going on about this prediction about the 28th last night. I said BS, enough. No one can predict an earthquake, not alone a tsunami! And the last tsunami didn't hit our house in Rawai, so why worry? It will take at least 2 hours if there is an earthquake in Indonesia or Malaysia to reach Phuket anyway.... Unbelievable.

[Ferangled]

I made one of the first replies to your post that has since had 10 likes

So there.

Brilliant post. My wife was going on about this prediction about the 28th last night. I said BS, enough. No one can predict an earthquake, not alone a tsunami! And the last tsunami didn't hit our house in Rawai, so why worry? It will take at least 2 hours if there is an earthquake in Indonesia or Malaysia to reach Phuket anyway.... Unbelievable.

I think you'll find while no one can accurately predict an earthquake, anyone is capable of predicting one, albeit inaccurately!

As for Tsunamis these are generally the direct result of other natural disasters, commonly earthquakes. So predicting a Tsunami following an earthquake is potentially pretty accurate; but only after the earthquake has taken place.

As more of these events take place scientists get the opportunity to study them and accuracy in this area will improve. This is vital because a few hours warning can prevent needless loss of life in these situations.

As for predicting that Phuket will disappear into the sea on the 28th... agree entirely, total BS.

[BazilFox]

Miracle Year Thailand

Thaksin primeminister

Floods

Earthquake

I get it.

[Ferangled]

Miracle Year Thailand

Thaksin primeminister

Floods

Earthquake

I get it.

Miracle TV poster.

Random.

Overly spaced.

Off topic.

Nonsense post.

How.

Inconsiderate.

of.

Thailand.

to.

have.

an.

earthquake.

[spidermike007]

Having faith in Phuket Governor Tri Akaradecha, is like believing in santa claus. what has he ever done for the people of phuket? other than collecting hundreds of millions of baht? He asks the people to have faith in the government. The last govt that actually did anything for the people of thailand was ended with a coup. I am not a supporter of mr. toxic, but at least he did a few things to benefit the people. this goombah asks people to have faith. Why? How? For what reason? Though the doomsayers are simply people who have gone off their medication for awhile, and there is zero credence to what they have to say, why should anyone believe Akaradecha? Give me just one reason.

[stevehaigh]

looks like we are still here. i hope that psychic guy has a good cover story ready. maybe when he said April 28, 2555 he meant western calendar year 2555, so we still have 543 years to go