UN Thailand :: Media Monitoring

Impact on Thailand

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   - Livelihood recovery
   - Environmental
     rehabilitation
   - Disaster preparedness

Six Months On

Challenges and achievements six months after the tsunami

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UN Agencies in Thailand

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Media Monitoring

Sources: Bangkok Post, MCOT, ThaisNews

07 June 2005:

The unemployment rate in Phuket is still high
because of the Tsunami
The number of unemployed on the island as a result of the tsunami now stands at 2,784, and is likely to rise, as more than 460 local businesses have announced temporary closure. Even though the Ministry of Labour has paid out loans worth 5 billion baht for local businesses in order to boost the employment rate since the tsunami, Phuket entrepreneurs have only been granted 80 million baht worth of loans, due to the requirements of the banks.

07 June 2005:

Phang-nga plans Tsunami Evacuation Exercise on June the 20th
The tsunami evacuation drill is planned to take place at Ban Nam Kem in Phang-nga on June the 20th. The drill will simulate the real situation and comprise all responsible agencies and involve 500 villagers. Safe routes and safe sites are clearly designated.

08 June 2005:

SME Bank's Phuket branch provides over 400 million baht in loans for local enterprises
During January to May, the bank has approved 94.17 million baht in loans to 247 customers (out of 369) who mostly are hotel accommodation and tourism related businesses. 49 Tsunami affected customers have been approved 1 year grace periods before repaying, worth over 400 million baht.

08 June 2005:

800 officials from provincial administrative bodies are expected at seminar in Phuket in support of tourism
More than 800 provincial officials from all over Thailand are expected to attend the three-day seminar scheduled to be held in August, to boost the island's tourism. The dramatic low bookings in Phuket hotels and accommodation between June and July have sunk to less than 10% as tourists choose to travel elsewhere after the tsunami.

10 June 2005:

Phuket Province handed out another 26 houses for tsunami displaced people
Phuket Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura yesterday handed over 26 permanent homes built by the Royal Thai Navy to villagers of Laem Tukhae in Rasada sub-district. The houses were equipped with household gear and commodities worth a total of 3.64 million baht. Mr Udomsak said Phuket will build 125 permanent homes for tsunami displaced people; so far 78 houses are completed with another 47 remaining under construction.