Phuket protesters close three more govt offices
Wiparatana Nathalang

Customs Director, Nunthita Sirikup, left, with the 'Temporarily closed' sign given her by protesters
At each they handed the officials a sign to hang on the door, reading “Temporarily closed until Yingluck resigns”.

PHUKET: The island’s anti-government protesters today upped the tempo, going in convoy to a number of government offices and “persuading” them to close down.

Customs Director, Nunthita Sirikup, left, with the 'Temporarily closed' sign given her by protesters
At each they handed the officials a sign to hang on the door, reading “Temporarily closed until Yingluck resigns”.

Led by Ouaychai Kumban, exhorting protesters and officials alike with a loud-hailer, the convoy’s first target was the Provincial Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

Next was the Highways Department – where they were cheered by excited children at the Phuket Kindergarten opposite. Then it was on to the Customs Department, where they handed a notice to the Director, Nunthita Sirikup, to hang on her door.

Finally a smaller group drove down to Cape Panwa, where they “requested” the Royal Thai Navy base to close. In this case, they did not hand officers a “Temporarily closed” sign. The base remains open.

Over the past few weeks protesters and officials have played a game of cat and mouse, with government offices closing and officials keeping their heads down for a few days, and then quietly opening up again.

In many cases, however, officials – particularly Phuket-born ones – have been clearly on the side of the protesters, and many have joined the marches and processions.

The exception to the game of cat and mouse has been Provincial Hall, symbol of the central government’s authority, which has now been shuttered for a couple of weeks. The protesters’ main encampment is right outside, and it is not expected to reopen any time soon.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-protesters-close-three-more-govt-offices-44180.php?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

-- Phuket News 2014-01-22

Pathetic.

To what end really? Preaching to the converted and the neutrals. So, really just inconveniencing people.

The government has proved time and time again that they don't really give a toss about Phuket apart from its revenues and giving just enough budget to it to keep the infrastructure from completely collapsing.

The real contest is in BKK - they should keep it there.

As my kids would say - "So lame!"

Missed this the first time:

"Finally a smaller group drove down to Cape Panwa, where they “requested” the Royal Thai Navy base to close. In this case, they did not hand officers a “Temporarily closed” sign. The base remains open."

As I said: Lame!

I cannot think of anywhere outside of an asylum adults would attempt to close

Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

Of course Phuket home of theTsunami is where this is happening.

Perhasp their aim to is to bankrupt the tourist industry?

Am I too stupid to see how anyone can benefit from this particular action?

The corollary must be they aim to prevent mitigation of any tsunami response what a legacy to the thousand of victims.

I look forward to TAT response once the foreign media respond.

Edited January 22, 201412 yr by RubbaJohnny

Provincial Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

To force the closure of that department is the height of irresponsibility.

Now we have no operational disaster P & M department and no tsunami warning buoy (see other news about it being damaged/misaligned by a trafficker's boat).

Thailand - the hiub of stupidity!

Simon

Edited January 22, 201412 yr by simon43

Of interest

http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2014/Phuket-protesters-will-not-shut-down-emergency-services-leader-vows-23390.html

“Even though our offices are closed, emergency services are always available,” DDPM-Phuket Chief San Jantharawong told the Gazette.

“In case of an emergency please call 191, to report a fire call 199, and to report a road accidents or need for medical services call 1669.