Suthep satisfied over tsunami evacuation rehearsal in South

BANGKOK, 21 August 2009 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister, Suthep Thaugsuban, expressed satisfaction over the tsunami evacuation practice at Patong Beach in Phuket province, which was completed this afternoon.

The 4th disaster warning system and tsunami evacuation exercise was successfully conducted in 6 southern provinces along the Andaman coast comprising Phuket, Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Mr. Suthep declared the success of the event since private and public sectors, volunteers, local residents, and foreign visitors had participated as if they were in a real situation.

Mr. Suthep asserted that the evacuation drill had raised awareness among people and stated that he would further discuss with related officials whether to also conduct a tsunami evacuation rehearsal at night after many earthquakes had occurred during the period.