open questions
Vinai Buapradit was vice-governor of Phuket until September, when he began governing Phang Nga
Q How do the effects of the tsunami on Phang Nga and Phuket compare?
A Damage occurred to less than 10 per cent of Phuket, with Patong and Kamala the two resorts that suffered the most. But the Khao Lak coastal strip in Phang Nga was overwhelmed and largely wiped out. Thousands perished there while hundreds died on Phuket. Business continued to run on Phuket, although tourism was hit. Confidence was restored fairly rapidly.
Phang Nga is a different story. Destruction was widespread, with 93 hotels and resorts affected. In an instant, a resource that attracted 2 million tourists in the previous year just vanished. The centre of the fishing industry, Baan Nam Khem, had an income of 3 billion baht ($569 nillion) a year. That was wiped out, along with the jobs, boats and homes of most of the people.
Q Are there still people living in temporary homes in Phang Nga?
A Yes, people are still living in temporary housing. A total of 2,646 homes were damaged. New occupiers have moved in to 2,095 reconstructed homes. Another 115 homes are ready and waiting for people to move in, and 436 are still under construction. Roads have been remade and the infrastructure restored.
Q Are you happy with assistance from the central government and from foreign NGOs?
A This was Thailand's biggest natural disaster, and I think the level of assistance has been appropriate. But at some stage, it will have to come to an end.
From today, I want to see victims helping themselves. The provincial government will certainly help with training for new jobs and sources of income where people can't go back to doing what they did before. Perhaps incomes will be smaller to start with.
We will try to encourage development of new products under the One Village, One Product scheme. One positive is that the new housing areas all have good facilities and community centres. We hope tourists will visit the villages and buy the products.
Q Do you see the tsunami-warning system as an important part of the recovery?
A A warning system is most important. It's not a part of repairing houses or finding jobs but it will make tourists confident to come back.
It will also help to ease the mental anguish of many survivors who live along the coast and dread the possibility of another tsunami. I think a warning system also needs to be installed in hotels.
Q Do you have concerns about the condition of the coral reefs and the diving industry?
A Surveys have shown that less than 10 per cent of the beautiful coral reefs off Phang Nga were damaged. Plans to restore the damaged sections are being made, and the dive shops are opening for business again. We are positive about the industry's future.
