A representative of the Phuket Networking Group for the the Rights and Development of the Poor, Tutipon “Mam” Thipwong, presented four ideas to tackle problems for those living in slums in Phuket. Gov Maitree promised to do two of the four, and to look at the other two.
He said he would allocate B500,000 for setting up a credit union for all the communities (amalgamating existing credit unions set up by the local themselves), along with a local education centre in each community.
He also promised allocate a walkie-talkie frequency for the use of the mangrove monitoring volunteer group Rak Chumchon (Love the Community).
He said he would look at the other two requests once the new Provincial Land Centre, or SorPorTor, ordered by Deputy PM Chalerm Yoobamrung, is up and running.
Two Sea Gypsy village have issues with private individuals and businesses over land ownership.
The two requests were for: representation in the SorPorTor; and the setting up of a follow-up working group consisting of representatives of local communities, provincial and district officials, to meet every three months.
Though he said the meetings would have to wait until after the SorPorTor is set up, the Governor seemed to be in favour, handing out “3G” shirts (standing for “Green City; Giving to Society; Good Life”) to all those who would be attending meetings.
The governor said he believes that the new SorPorTor, which will bring together all government departments involved in land issues, will make resolution of land issues less complicated, and increase cooperation with local communities.