Mr Chalerm stressed the importance of the government’s Harmonize Plan, which aims to bring exiled PM Thaksin Shinawatra back to Thailand and to solve the antagonism between red and yellow parts of the political spectrum.
The national government wants the plan ratified within the next six months and urged all governors to drum up support from their own people. On October 28, he said, a “Harmony Seminar” will be held in Nakorn Ratchassima. He urged all governors to attend.
As for the drug suppression, he ordered governors to coordinate with the police in their area to make their work effective.
He also discussed controversial government projects such as the rice pledging scheme – which he stressed would not be dumped – the B300-a-day minimum wage and the farmers’ credit card project.
Gov Maitree told The Phuket News that he is ready to follow given policies and praised the island’s efforts in most areas. He said he would join the seminar in Nakhon Ratchassima and would follow policies that encourage harmony in Phuket society.
Turning to drug suppression, the governor said, “Our city is in the top three in Thailand for drug prevention and suppression.
“We have already chosen two of the three villages that are ‘high risk’ for drug trafficking, and which will be part of the Chumchon Oonjai (Warm-Hearted Community) government project – which targets drugs – starting on October 30.
“They are Rassada in Muang District and Pa Khlok in Thalang District. These villages will be centres for drug prevention and treatment.”
Addressing corruption in Phuket, Mr Maitree said he felt the Damrongtham Center has been working effectively to combat this.
He also talked about preparedness for natural disasters. “We have regular drills to practice rescuing and evacuating people caught in disasters, and we have CCTV cameras ready to use in important places. We have many support plans. We are never neglectful about disaster.”
One problem related to disaster, he noted, has been budget disbursement, particularly in relation to flood prevention and alleviation, which is still a problem. He said that he and his team would meet every Tuesday to discuss budgets.