Flyer magazine - Reaction to the Indian Ocean tsunamisNote: this page is an archive of information posted on a previous version of the Your Krabi site. It was created to disseminate information directly from the Krabi area in the wake of the 26 December 2004 tsunamis in the Indian Ocean. It has not been updated since January 2005, but the content has been kept online for historical interest.
Messages of support from around the worldBelow, a selection of the hundreds of emails we have received. Our thanks to all those who have written in; your concern is greatly appreciated.
"I've just returned from holiday in Ao Nang (including when
the tsunami hit), and know the situation better than [the British government] do, i.e. that
it is operating normally, except for a lack of tourists, no doubt
largely because of incompetent government advice. I've been trying to
correct this with these two authorities, without success so far. More
voices are needed - or perhaps a visit to Ao Nang by the ambassador to
see the damage to Ao Nang - not by the tsunami, but by his embassy. It's
a disgrace, and makes me feel ashamed to be British."
"I have been to the Krabi region more than 3 times and the latest was
just 3 weeks before the Tsunami. Not only does that area have one of
the most beautiful places in the world, I have also got to know some
really nice and sincere locals working on Ao Nang beach. I am glad
that Ao Nang has suffered little damage but at the same time sad that
many others have been affected by this tragedy. I hope and pray the
good people of Krabi can once again quickly pick themselves up from
this tragedy and that tourists will keep on visiting the wonderful
place on earth called Krabi."
"I'd like to offer my deep sympathy for the tragedy that unfolded
last week and at the same time express my gratitude for your informative
site which has played a crucial role in helping us deciding to continue with
our holiday in Ao Nang later this month." "I'm sorry to read your latest update on the 3rd that so many people are staying away from Ao Nang.
We had booked 4 days at Ao Nang and a further 4 days on Phi Phi for the end
of January but based on our research, including your most informative web
site, we have now decided to spend all 8 days at Ao Nang.
I just hope others research the real situation rather than listen to the
media."
"Our thoughts are with everyone affected in Thailand and across Asia, such a
wonderful place with fantastic people! Thank God the Ao Nang authorities had
the sense to build the sea wall, were it not for that I think the town would
have been devastated. I agree that Phi Phi Don should be returned to its
natural state and become a National Park out of respect for those lost.
"
"My thoughts and prayers are with all the people who have suffered through this tragic event. It is wonderful to see so many people who will continue on with their scheduled trips to Thailand. This is an excellent way to help the many Thais who now potentially suffer job losses on top of their personal losses.
Thank you for posting the info on Krabi, the information we have received in Aust. sounded quite dire for Krabi. "
"My husband and I were at Railay this time last year and we had such a wonderful time (our second visit to the area). Our hearts really go out to all the thai people suffering as a result of the disaster - such a terrible thing to happen to such a beautiful part of the world and to such lovely people!" "To all the wonderful people in Thailand all other affected countries/islands:
I cannot tell you how saddened I am by the recent tsunami tragedy. However, I want to recall my fiance's trip to Thailand last year, and how wonderfully he was treated. Because of the tremendous distance, I was terrified, but I need not have worried. The people of Thailand are absolutely wonderful.
I wish you a quick recovery from this tragedy, and many good things for 2005."
"We are so impressed with the speed of the clear-up and how hard every one is obviously working to get things back to normal, especially all the effort on the boats. We dreaded what we mind find when we accessed your site; so relieved you escaped greater tragedy. Our hearts go out to those who were not so fortunate. We loved our time in and around Ao Nang last March and we're coming back in February..... oh yes we are!!!! "
"I have just been reading your website. I am so very sorry for everything that has happened to your beautiful country. My husband and I visited Ao Nang in March and fell in love with the place and its people."
"Thank you for your re-assurance that you wish tourists to continue to visit
Krabi. Anne and I will be visiting as planned early February and hope that in
some small way we can help you overcome this tragic event. We wish the Thai
people and especially those in Krabi a peaceful and prosperous 2005"
"We are planning to come to Ao Nang in March and we hope to see our friends again. In Norway people are giving money from their hearts. We think of the Thai people and hope this will never happen again. We love Ao Nang. Thank you for all the pictures." "Firstly, may I offer my sincere condolences for all people in Thailand (Thai and farang) who have suffered during this monumental tragedy. Whilst devastated by the TV and web images from all affected countries in Asia, I am heartened by posts on Thai forums and websites to show that all people are united in overcoming and recovering from the events of the past days and whilst the losses can never be replaced and the mourning will go on in private for a long time to come, I will still continue with my plans to visit Krabi with my Thai fiancée early February and also with my friends from here in the UK.
I hope that most
tourists are not put off by these events as the local economies, ever
dependent on tourists' money, are now even more so, and the last thing
needed is for tourists to stay away and create an economical disaster on
top of the natural one. Just always bear in mind the scale of what has
happened and visit with respect."
"We are not cancelling, whatever happens....we want to support our Thai friends & will come to Krabi....we are arriving in Thailand Jan. 19 & will stay till Feb. 6.
We send all best wishes for the New Year & (although this is such a sad & challenging time) we hope that 2005 will be very kind to you & your country." "We are so sorry for the terrible disaster the region has suffered from the tidal waves. We were in Ao Nang, Ko Lanta and Phi Phi in April and met so many nice people. We hope they all are all right. Many Norwegian families are missing in Khao Lak and Phuket (more than 400 people) so it is very sad. Our thoughts go to all who have lost their loved ones. Wenche and Finn Aspelund "We are deeply saddened by what has happened in the region and our thoughts and condolences go out to all who have lost loved ones in this tragedy, [...] we have been planning to visit Thailand mid January , in particular Krabi and Ao Nang. the news in the UK is mainly gleaned from the BBC and Sky News and gives a very bleak view of events that have happened, probably rightly so in view of the massive losses. However your post gives us hope that all is not lost and we shall re-vist Krabi and Ao Nang as planned. I think it is the least we can do to try and help.
Everyone in the UK is shocked and saddened by this tragedy and wish you well in rebuilding and recovery as best as possible."
"If major rebuilding is needed a few of my climbing buddies and I
plan on flying back to Ton Sai in a few weeks with our tools to help in the
process. We plan on doing everything we can work and money wise to help get
Ton Sai back on its feet. After only a few visit to Ton Sai the climbing and
people make the place feel like our second home."
"We are a small group of people from Norway who would like to come to Krabi
during January [...] We are wondering if there is anything we can do to help the local people who
are affected? Anything!"
"[I] came to Krabi in February (Railay and Phi
Phi)... obviously totally torn apart by what has happened.. our thoughts go
out to the whole nation.. and all the others affected."
"We would like to take the opportunity to give our sincere sympathy to you
all in this time of tragedy. "
"We would still very much like to come and provide any support we can during the month of February [...] We are anxious to get over
there and help in whatever way we can."
"[I] am glad that the
effects of the tsunami have not been as devastating here and glad to hear
that there are no serious casualties [and] I would still like to come to
Railay."
"Please let me give you my condolences about tsunami earthquake that happened
a few days ago. My thoughts are with you."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the people affected by this
terrible tragedy."
"We will not cancel [our] trip and will arrive as planned
if the Finnish travel agency doesn't cancel the flights.
Hope the very best for Thailand & its people on these hard times."
"I have decided not to cancel my trip to sunny Thailand and hope that many
others will do the same.
I hope that the gesture of still coming through adds a small but significant
value to the psychological impact of the Thai population."
"We are so sorry that your country and people have been so affected by this
terrible disaster."
"We would like to show
our support by continuing with our [holiday] plans."
"Our best wishes to you all
and our hope that the losses to life and property are as low as possible."
"Looks like we will stick to our plan of coming to Krabi. Do let us know if we should bring anything to help?" "My girlfriend and I are coming to Thailand for a few months at the end of January and following the events of the last few days we would like to help out if needed.
I've been to Krabi Town, Ao Nang and Ao Phra Nang a number of times and it saddens me that one of the most beautiful areas, and one of my personal favourites, in South East Asia has suffered this disaster."
"Our prayers and best wishes are with you and all in Thailand." If you'd like to send us a message, please email us:
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