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 Media Centre
Media Monitoring
Sources: Bangkok Post 20 September 2005:
Untreated trash toxic worryDec 26 tsunami garbage and debris that was not properly treated before being buried could contaminate soil and underground water sources, and that trash buried on the beaches could resurface in future, an environment expert has warned. It was also of serious concern that new buildings would be built on unstable ground and could collapse because trash and debris buried without first being compacted would create holes underground. 20 September 2005:
Memorial design 'omits public' The Tsunami Memorial Committee launched the design contest for the planned Tsunami Memorial on Sept 15 and will shortlist five proposals to be displayed during the first anniversary of Dec 26 tsunami. However, an expert has expressed concern that the terms of reference for the contest do not allow for public participation. 21 September 2005:
Plan threat to park, say locals Local villagers are worried about the environmental impact of a plan to build the tsunami memorial on part of Khao Lak Lamlu National Park since the construction could lead to the destruction of flora and fauna, placing the ecological system at great risk. The government plans to set aside 10,000 square metres of cliff top in the park for the memorial. 21 September 2005:
Six disaster colleges planned The Interior Ministry plans to set up six regional colleges to exclusively offer disaster prevention and mitigation management courses in the provinces. The colleges would be in Prachin Buri, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Songkhla, Phuket and Phitsanulok. 21 September 2005:
Proposal for setting more disaster warning towersAuthorities have proposed disaster warning towers to be urgently set up in Kanchanaburi to prevent a possible catastrophe in view of the growing threat of a rupture of the Srinakarin or Vajiralongkorn dams. In addition, one tower should be in Erawan municipality and the other in Thong Pha Phum municipal area. Phangnga governor said four disaster warning towers were being built at Ban Nam Khem, Nang Thong beach, Koh Kho Khao village, and Ko Phra Thong and would be completed before one year anniversary of the tsunami tragedy. 22 September 2005:
Govt insists project has to 'blend in' with nature The authorities pledged that the design of the Tsunami Memorial and museum in Khao Lak Lam Lu National Park will not destroy the park ecology as the government had issued a strict mandate that the project must 'blend in' with nature. The budget is estimated at about 1.5 billion baht and construction is scheduled for completion by Dec 26, 2007. 26 September 2005:
Cultural festival aims to revive tourism, agreement to twin Phuket and HainanA seven-week cultural fair was launched on Friday in Phuket, featuring grand processions and magnificent cultural shows in a bid to revive tourism on the island. Tourism authorities are also expecting October's vegetarian festival to generate income of about 200 million baht for the province. According to an official, during the last quarter tourism had improved as evidenced by a 20% increase in flight arrivals. Meanwhile, authorities from Phuket and China 's Hainan province signed an agreement to twin the islands which would result in more Chinese tourists coming to Phuket and relations between the two being strengthened. |
© 2005 United Nations Thailand
