25-8-2024 (PHUKET) Thai authorities have confirmed the recovery of all 13 bodies following a devastating landslide in Phuket’s Mueang district. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation announced on Saturday that the grim task of retrieving the victims, who had been missing since Friday, 23 August, was now complete.
The catastrophe claimed a diverse group of victims, including two Russian nationals, two Thai citizens, and nine individuals from Myanmar. Officials reported that autopsies were underway to confirm the identities of the deceased, underscoring the international impact of this tragic event in one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations.
In response to the disaster, Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiseth personally visited Phuket to assess the situation and offer support to both officials and those affected by the landslide. As part of the government’s immediate relief efforts, Thaiseth distributed essential supplies at Wat Kittisangkharam, a local temple serving as a hub for aid distribution.
During his visit, the Deputy Interior Minister issued directives to relevant agencies, emphasising two critical priorities. Firstly, he called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the landslide, aiming to understand the factors that led to this tragedy and potentially prevent similar incidents in the future. Secondly, Thaiseth stressed the importance of expediting assistance to those impacted by the disaster, recognising the urgent need for support in the aftermath of such a devastating event.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by natural disasters in Thailand’s mountainous regions, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. It also highlights the vulnerability of both local communities and international visitors in areas prone to such geological hazards.
