Phuket governor files complaint against rumourmongers
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Phuket Governor Tri Akaradecha yesterday filed a police complaint against people who are spreading rumours that his province will meet doomsday on April 28.
These rumours have been spreading like wildfire since an earthquake hit Phuket on Monday, causing panic among locals. Several aftershocks have followed since with a 3.2magnitude tremor being felt at 2am yesterday.
“There are messages on Facebook and leaflets warning people to leave Phuket by April 28,” Phuket’s disasterpreventionandmitigation chief Wiroj Suwanwong told police. He was at the Muang Phuket Police Station to file the complaint on Tri’s behalf.
“We want to see fast action against those who are spreading these rumours,” Wiroj said. “Such action is punishable by both a fine and a jail term.”
Tri added that he was ready to step down as governor if the island of Phuket does disappear by April 28.
“Please have confidence in the authorities. Rumours are just rumours. Aftershocks will continue for another seven days, but will not be too severe,” he added.
Meanwhile, Worawut Songyos, mayor of the Tambon Si Sunthorn Municipality, said yesterday that the earthquakes had damaged more than 170 houses in his area.
“And the complaints from people keep coming,” he said.
