Thailand Tsunami Update Situation in Phuket | 20 January 2005 |
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| Phuket is bouncing back with incredible speed. Everyone is impressed by the combined efforts of the Thai Government, the military and the many relief agencies. Fantastic work is being done by local volunteer groups and by the many tourists who decided to stay and help. |
 Above all, there is praise for the Thai people whose never-give-up spirit
and boundless generousity have impressed everyone. This is that special Thai
touch that makes tourists feel so welcome in this country. The Thai smile
and attitude to life is unique and proves to be the best medicine during
these difficult times.
Most people are now aware that compared to Sri Lanka and Sumatra, Thailand is recovering fast. But within Thailand there are differences, depending on location. TV viewers world-wide cannot be expected to know the exact location of all the places in Thailand that are shown on TV. This has caused confusion regarding the extent of damage in Phuket. Only about 15% of available hotel rooms in Phuket were damaged by the tsunami. Only about 1% of Phuket’s landmass was touched by the waves. Of course the human aspect of the tragedy has touched everyone who lives here but the fact is that most of the island is unaffected and has a completely functional infrastructure, no shortages and no disease. Khao Lak lies 100km north of Phuket and was much harder hit. Most relief efforts now being undertaken by Phuket-based volunteer groups are focusing on helping Khao Lak. Pi-Pi Island, which lies 70km to the southeast of Phuket, was devastated as well. Both Khao Lak and Pi-Pi Island will need much more time to recover than Phuket.
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