If you cannot read this page properly, please click: http://www.image-asia.com/post_tsunami_phuket_krabi.htm
Details of how to subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter can be found at the bottom of the page
 |
4 Jan, 2005: Thailand post-tsunami update |
This is our third newsletter.
To read LATEST newsletter, click here
To read first newsletter, click here
To read second newsletter, click here
What are Government travel warnings all about? Since the tragic Bali terrorist bombing, at least one of their purposes seems to be protecting the governments in questions from criticism by their own citizens. Travel warnings such as this one have been recently posted by governments around the world:
"Following the recent tsunami, until local conditions improve we recommend against all but essential travel to affected resorts and towns along Thailand's west coast, in particular Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak... The infrastructure and public services are severely disrupted."
While goverments have every right to advise their citizens however they deem fit, it is odd that they are parties to disseminating damaging, inaccurate information. In Khao Lak it seems clear that there is disruption to services and infrastructure, but in Phuket today, as anyone who is here will confirm, there is NO DISRUPTION to infrastructure or public services. In Krabi we understand there is also no such disruption, but have no direct confirmation on this point. [Any confirmations received will be posted here as soon as possible.]
The effect of such warnings as the above is that people who might otherwise respond to the plight of thousands of Thai workers faced with job losses, by continuing with their travel plans, are thwarted because tour operators will not 'risk' sending their clients to areas covered by these warnings.
Some resorts in unaffected areas are offering to help with alternative travel arrangements for holidaymakers who would like to continue with their travel plans. If you feel strongly about being part of the effort to help by sustaining local economies, but find your travel plans cancelled in spite of your wishes, you might think about contacting your intended resort directly.
 |
 |
 |
Night time Patong, 3 January |
Beach at Krabi Sheraton, 30 Dec |
Ao Chalong jetty, 3 January |
| HOTEL SITUATION IN PHUKET | HOTELS |
RATIO |
ROOMS |
|
| NORMAL | 95 |
68% |
14,139 |
77% |
| DISRUPTED | 21 |
15% |
0% |
|
| CLOSED | 24 |
17% |
4,326 |
23% |
| TOTAL | 140 |
18,465 | ||
| HOTEL SITUATION IN KRABI | HOTELS |
RATIO |
ROOMS |
|
| NORMAL | 38 |
88% |
2,607 |
90% |
| DISRUPTED | 1 |
2% |
10 |
0% |
| CLOSED | 4 |
9% |
300 |
10% |
| TOTAL | 43 |
2,917 |
As the days go by, the picture becomes clearer - and the situation in Phuket and surrounding areas improves. Here are a few quotations from resorts, tour operators and others around the region:
From Mr Watchara Apornsiri, Director of the Phuket Royal Irrigation Project
The sea water at Phuket's beaches is clean, uncontaminated and safe for swimming . The tsunami appears to have had a "cleansing" effect and many beaches look like they did 20 years ago.
From operators of Phang Nga Bay tours in traditional Junk, June Bahtra:
When we interviewed our crew & guide they reported that there was NO debris or floating bodies to be seen during the tour. The only comments from the clients was: Very quiet, not many tourists around and they loved the attention they got onboard.
From Holiday Inn, Phi Phi (Laem Tong Beach (north-east Phi Phi Island)
We had some guests go to Phi Phi Leh Island today. Please find the images attached. All reports are of how beautiful and peaceful the area was.
We operate a daily ferry service that stops purely in the north-east and services our resorts.
From Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort
We have already started operating both diving and snorkeling trip since yesterday (Sunday 2 nd Jan).
From Koh Yao Noi (Phang Nga Bay)
Absolutely!!!! Everything is back to almost normal here. Island Resort is open again and the others are all functioning.
From a resident of Ao Chalong, Phuket
Chalong Pier was totally unaffected and is operating as usual as the centre for boat, dive and fishing trips around the area.
The fishing and dive boats are back in operation and speedboats operating normally, taking tourists to the islands around Phuket. Divers, fishermen, visiting 'yachties still frequent the many waterfront bars and restaurants, some of which suffered some water damage but almost all are back in operation with that unquenchable Thai smile. Post offices, banks, fuel stations, car hire and supermarkets are all working normally. Water and electricity supplies have not been affected.
From a resident of Patong, Phuket
I went out in Patong last night [3 Jan]. To be sure, the Beach Road is not where you'd want to be. The clean-up operation is very impressive but the damage is still evident. Yet, 2 minutes walk away from the beach and you wouldn't believe you were in the same place! Tourists were out in force, dining, drinking, shopping and generally having a good time. Anybody wondering whether to come to Patong, here's my advice: come stay here, rent a car or bike and spend the day on one of the nearby beaches that have hardly been affected (Karon, Kata, Surin). Then come back in the evening and have a good time - and at the same time support all the local businesses that need to survive.
How can local businesses help?
Apart from the obvious charity donations and assisting with relief efforts, one way to help is by offering jobs to people who have lost (or will lose) theirs. These may be temporary, part time or full time jobs. Several local companies have already taken steps to do just this. We understand that the local Labour Office in Phuket is attempting to co-ordinate relocation, particularly from Khao Lak.
Many thanks for your support. Just by reading and spreading the word, you are helping.
Grenville Fordham
NOTE: THIS WILL BE THE LAST NEWSLETTER FOR A WEEK OR SO. HOWEVER, WE WILL CONTINUE UPDATING THE SITE AS WE GET NEW INFORMATION, SO PLEASE CHECK BACK WHEN YOU HAVE CHANCE.
http://www.image-asia.com/post_tsunami_phuket_krabi.htm
If you have photographs and/or updates on beaches, resorts and other tourist facilities, please email them to gren@image-asia.com
We continue to get emails from around the world by people who are amazed that there is still so much calm here. Some are deciding to continue with their holidays. See one sample from USA below:
---------------------------------------------
To whom ever this email address belongs:
It is very hard to image the calm scenes that your pictures show. My brother and I have been planning a trip to Thailand for a long time now. We lived in Bangkok from 1965 to 1967 when my dad was stationed there. He was in the US Army.
We have been looking forward to coming back and are scheduled to arrive on January 7th for a two week trip. The information we see here in the US in only the devastation. We have decided to continue on our trip, much to the astonishment of a lot of our friends! While we don't want to ignore the tremendous loss the Thai people are suffering we also realize that if all the tourists cancel their trips the financial hardship could be even greater.
I live in Maine which is a state whose livelihood is dependent on Summer Tourists. Our hearts are with the Thai people who have lost their families, their homes, or their lives. Maybe we will be able to find ways to help while we are in Thailand.
Cathy
---------------------------------------------
Unfortunately, the big tour companies are cancelling the bulk travel deals at the moment, but decisions are being made every day, so the more accurate information out there the better. It is not too late.. Please continue to spread the word. Take a look at our maps - many people are not familiar with the geography of this region.
>>> back to top
The majority of hotels, beaches and tourist facilities in Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta are operating normally.
Yet, as always with media coverage of tragic events, images and words focus on the devastion, loss of life and damage.
Because of the disproportionately high number of foreign tourists in Phuket and other Thai holiday destinations compared with other affected countries, international media coverage has also been disproportionate to the extent of damage in Thailand compared with elsewhere.
All the time urgent and immediate relief efforts go on, international news services focus on the grisly aspects of the disaster. Reporters tell the world the story of devastation; cameras capture the rubble and the bodies. They tell of total destruction here - a gross distortion of the truth.
And while doing so, they destroy the livelihood of the survivors in the coming months. Thousands upon thousands of Thai nationals earn their living from tourism. Once the immediate impact is over, survivors face not only the grief of their losses, but many will face unemployment with no income to sustain their families.
Certain areas of Southern Thailand, such as Kao Lak and Phi Phi Island, were very badly affected, but it is increasingly clear that many parts of Phuket and Krabi provinces remain almost untouched - some areas completely unaffected! - and countless resorts are operating at, or near, normal levels.
Hard to believe too is that - while many small speedboats and local 'longtail' boats moored near or on beaches suffered loss and damage - not a single yacht was lost out of the many, many sailing yachts moored in marinas and bays around Phuket for the holiday season!
Many tourists who escaped injury or loss, and whose accommodation remains intact, have decided to stay on. As each day passes more and more can be seen swimming, sunbathing, dining out, drinking and making the most of the rest of their holiday. Much of Patong Beach's entertainment area was cleared and operating in time for their New Year's Eve celebrations.
Yet cancellations are on the horizon. Cancellations of the tourism income that local families desperately need to begin rebuilding their lives and their businesses. While it is understandable that some may prefer not to continue with their holiday plans in Thailand, on behalf of all those who derive their livelihood from tourism, we ask them to pause for thought...
...to take a look at the images we have posted on this website, check out the status of hotels and beaches here and on other sites before you make your decision.
The Thais have achieved well-deserved acclaim for their hospitality and the warmth of their welcome for visitors. In the present situation, that welcome will be especially warm and hospitable for those who decide to continue with their travel plans.
Please pass on this message to anyone you think may be interested in the 'other story'.
>>> back to top
home | about us | publishing | events | creative services | web | advertise | contact us | links |
Units 21-22, The Courtyard, 90/5 Moo 2 Chaofa Road West, Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Tel: ++66 (0) 7626 4491 Fax: ++66 (0) 7626 4454, Email: info@image-asia.com Website:www.image-asia.com
You may unsubscribe by clicking the link below.
UNSUBSCRIBE