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Published on September 19, 2007

One was airlifted from Phuket to Bangkok yesterday afternoon for further treatment. Jones Beethan, 22, was transferred from Bangkok Hospital Phuket to a burns unit at the Bangkok Hospital.

Others seriously injured are Sara Whittington, from the Netherlands; Christopher Cooley, from Britain; Thibud Lamare, from France; and Thai nationals Chainarong Maharae and Orasilp Saengboonruang. Orasilp was the chief flight attendant on the plane.

The accident claimed 89 lives and injured 41 people. Of the survivors, 30 remain in hospital. Most have been treated at the Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

Dr Veera Churujiporn, who heads the 11th Mental Health Centre, said yesterday 90 per cent of the survivors were unable to sleep and some were still haunted by memories of what happened. "With proper care, they should be able to recover from these symptoms within one or two months."

But he said some patients may need up to six months of mental care.

Public Health Minister Mongkol na Songkhla said psychiatrists and psychologists were now taking care of the survivors, in particular those who had lost their spouse.

Phuket Governor Nirun Kallayanamitr yesterday handed over Bt900,000 from Their Majesties the King and the Queen to three local hospitals where the survivors were being treated.

The Nation