Thai reactions to tourists after disaster

[Constable Jones]

A Swedish woman and her daughter, survivors of the tsunami, were walking barefoot along a street in Phuket on Monday when a Thai woman stopped them.

"She took off her shoes and insisted I take them," the tourist said. "I tried to tell her I was all right, I was fortunate, I had not lost my family, but she insisted I take them. And then she bought a pair of shoes for my daughter. I tried to pay her but she would not take the money, even though I am sure she had much less than me."

There has been much talk of looting in the immediate aftermath of this disaster.

But the many anonymous acts of kindness, large and small, should also be recorded.

The Thai people, dealing with the worst natural disaster in their history, have overwhelmingly reached out, volunteered their services as translators, emergency workers, information officers, giving their time and often scant resources.

One Australian survivor spoke of a small Thai man on a water tower who saved several people by snatching them as they swept by him out to sea. With impossible strength, and at great personal risk, he dragged them from the torrent and certain death.

In the early hours of Monday, as survivors struggled into packed corridors at Wachira Hospital in Phuket Town, young Thais with language skills were immediately at hand, to explain the long lists in the hospital forecourt, shepherding dazed tourists and ensuring they had food and drink, which ordinary Thais were carrying in through the gate on foot.

Around midnight, a truck carrying a satellite dish with banks of free phones arrived so people could phone home.

On Tuesday in Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province, one of the worst hit areas, the roads swarmed with emergency service workers. And volunteers.

Phuket Town City Hall, a beautiful two-storey mansion with wide verandas, was the first makeshift camp for survivors with no clothes or place to stay.

As 1000 survivors from the Phi Phi Islands arrived, a line of 40 Thais stretched across the lawn, each holding up a country sign. "The tourists come to us and if they have a passport we can get them straight out of here," said Boonchai Sompolpong who was holding the Australia/New Zealand sign.

He runs tours for first-time tourists to Phuket and here he was, helping them leave as quickly as possible.

A Western diplomat said: "The Thais have been brilliant and we are in their debt."

[nephron]

I would be surprised if they had done anything less I think sometimes we get so used to living in selfish Western societies, that little acts of kindness are the exception to us.

[SunbeltAsia]

The couple added that they were overwhelmed by the hospitality of local Thais who gave them water, food, clothes, blankets and shelter. Civilian motorists also offered to take them to Bangkok free of charge.

“Such hospitality is unbelievable,” Arlette said, adding that a local man offered them help before he returned to look for his missing sister.

“This could never happen in another country.”

You hear comments like this over and over again with Westerners on CNN. Very high marks indeed for the Thais.

From the Bangkokpost..

Top firms launch relief aid projects

POST REPORTERS

Dozens of leading companies and organisations yesterday announced charity programmes to help ease the suffering in the southern provinces hit by Sunday's tidal waves.

Authorities said blood supplies, medical equipment, foodstuffs, drinking water and clothing were in particular demand.

Many companies yesterday quickly set up aid centres to gather donations. Local banks also announced special accounts to receive donations, while hospitals and Red Cross chapters put out notices calling for blood donations to ease shortages in the nation's blood banks.

Sirot Sawadpanish, head of the Revenue Department, said tax officials would offer full deductions for charity contributions for disaster relief under a special package being drafted by the Finance Ministry.

Mr Karun said big suppliers such as Saha Group have been told to use their logistics networks as effectively as possible to ensure that food and staple goods reach consumers in the affected areas quickly.

The Industry Ministry has asked construction material manufacturers to sell their products at cost for repair and reconstruction of houses, hotels, resorts, and other facilities which have been damaged by the tidal waves.

Thai Airways International is transporting doctors and nurses from Police General Hospital as well as medical equipment to Phuket. Yesterday it began free flights to Bangkok for those needing medical treatment and other affected people. Bodies of the deceased are also being transported free.

The national carrier also has flown members of its Fast (Family Assistance and Support Team) who are trained for emergencies, humanitarian assistance and speak multiple languages to assist passengers waiting for flights in Phuket.

THAI has established a help desk at the Don Muang domestic terminal, Tel 02-535-7670-3. It has also opened a relief centre at its head office to receive donations of consumer products and medical supplies, Tel 02-545-3181.

- Bangkok Airways has donated one million baht in cash through iTV, and is airlifting food and drinks from its Koh Samui base to Phuket and Krabi. It is also stationing a team of doctors and nurses from Bangkok Hospital at Don Muang airport and putting 25 ambulances on standby at the airport.

- The Charoen Pokphand Group has donated 10 million baht worth of food and bottled drinking water for the six affected provinces in addition to sending rescue teams. Both ready-to-eat meals and uncooked meat would be distributed by the group's affiliates in the six provinces.

- CP affiliate True Corporation, in addition to offering free calling through cellular unit Orange in affected areas, has donated one million baht and 50 mobile phones to the Rajprachasamasai Foundation. Also, two caravans will depart from Bangkok today with bottled drinking water, flashlights and other basic necessities.

- Siam Cement Plc is initially donating 10 million baht in relief funds through Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In addition, survival kits consisting of dried foods, bottled drinking water, medical items, clothes, bags and shoes worth about two million baht altogether will be distributed to the victims.

- Bangchak Petroleum is donating three million baht and 36,000 bottles of drinking water. For each litre of fuel sold from Dec 28 to mid-January, five satang would go to relief efforts. The total donation is expected at around three million baht.

- The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand has approved one million baht in immediate assistance in addition to 700 survival kits, 40,000 bottles of drinking water and 1,000 T-shirts as well as transport equipment.

- Bangkok Hospital has sent 78 doctors, nurses, medical service workers and translators as well as medicine and medical equipment to Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Phuket airport.

- The Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisations has donated 10.5 million baht, while other capital market organisations plan additional fund-raising.

- Central Plaza Hotel Plc has donated 600,000 baht and 500 food packets along with drinking water. Central Pattana Plc and Central Retail Corporation have set up donation desks at all their shopping centres and stores at 42 locations.

- The Poh Teck Tung Foundation has donated 600 coffins. Foundation manager Vannida Chileekorn said a large almshouse was opened in Takua Pa district in Phangnga as a temporary command centre and kitchen capable of producing 10,000 meals a day. The foundation is giving 5,000 baht each to families of those killed.

[Darknight]

/ edit title

Sensationalist and not to the point.

Good article though, Thanks

[snowleopard]

A Swedish woman and her daughter, survivors of the tsunami, were walking barefoot along a street in Phuket on Monday when a Thai woman stopped them.

"She took off her shoes and insisted I take them," the tourist said. "I tried to tell her I was all right, I was fortunate, I had not lost my family, but she insisted I take them. And then she bought a pair of shoes for my daughter. I tried to pay her but she would not take the money, even though I am sure she had much less than me."

This is the real Thailand!

Most Thais are actually very kind and try to do good deeds whenever they can!

When they are good they are absolutely the best!!

Snowleopard

[cdnvic]

In this forum we all rip on things that drive us nuts in Thailand. Not a bad thing really. Venting helps you adjust.

I think though, we have to give Thailand credit where its due. I haven't heard anything but glowing reports from Canadians arriving back in the country about how Thais are going out of their way to help those who have been caught in the disaster. Everyone seems to be describing the locals, who don't have the option of being repaitriated from the disaster area, as very selfless and giving to them and other forgieners without asking for a thing in return. The police, hospitals, and government officials along with the airlines are getting many compliments.

In the face of adversity, Thais are showing their true colours.

Thank you Thailand

cv

[phuketrichard]

I agree!!!

Thai's seem to be the best in the world and the worst.

Right now the best is clearly showing thru!!

[snoophound]

beautiful story

beautiful people

A Swedish woman and her daughter, survivors of the tsunami, were walking barefoot along a street in Phuket on Monday when a Thai woman stopped them.

"She took off her shoes and insisted I take them," the tourist said. "I tried to tell her I was all right, I was fortunate, I had not lost my family, but she insisted I take them. And then she bought a pair of shoes for my daughter. I tried to pay her but she would not take the money, even though I am sure she had much less than me."

There has been much talk of looting in the immediate aftermath of this disaster.

But the many anonymous acts of kindness, large and small, should also be recorded.

The Thai people, dealing with the worst natural disaster in their history, have overwhelmingly reached out, volunteered their services as translators, emergency workers, information officers, giving their time and often scant resources.

One Australian survivor spoke of a small Thai man on a water tower who saved several people by snatching them as they swept by him out to sea. With impossible strength, and at great personal risk, he dragged them from the torrent and certain death.

In the early hours of Monday, as survivors struggled into packed corridors at Wachira Hospital in Phuket Town, young Thais with language skills were immediately at hand, to explain the long lists in the hospital forecourt, shepherding dazed tourists and ensuring they had food and drink, which ordinary Thais were carrying in through the gate on foot.

Around midnight, a truck carrying a satellite dish with banks of free phones arrived so people could phone home.

On Tuesday in Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province, one of the worst hit areas, the roads swarmed with emergency service workers. And volunteers.

Phuket Town City Hall, a beautiful two-storey mansion with wide verandas, was the first makeshift camp for survivors with no clothes or place to stay.

As 1000 survivors from the Phi Phi Islands arrived, a line of 40 Thais stretched across the lawn, each holding up a country sign. "The tourists come to us and if they have a passport we can get them straight out of here," said Boonchai Sompolpong who was holding the Australia/New Zealand sign.

He runs tours for first-time tourists to Phuket and here he was, helping them leave as quickly as possible.

A Western diplomat said: "The Thais have been brilliant and we are in their debt."

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[kat]

Beautiful story. Thais really know how to take care.

[michaelharpold]

This is precisely why I love this country. A friend of mine (18 year old college student) has just spent the last 3 days @ her university in BKK helping. Thanks for this post Jonesy!

[diaw]

Good on you LOS... thank you...

[aaaaaa]

I would be surprised if they had done anything less   I think sometimes we get so used to living in selfish Western societies, that little acts of kindness are the exception to us.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

WOW! such a nice comment! and how true !

[Tippaporn]

Great story and I'm sure there are hundreds upon hundres like it. You'll never, ever hear me bashing or ripping Thais or their unique and idioscyncratic cultural traits. I've personally experienced too many instances of the same; and in normal times. Way too much good about the Thais for me to spend a nanosecond thinking about anything else. There's no place else in the world that I'd rather live.

Thank you Thailand from the deepest recesses of my heart.

[bjornv]

Norwegian survivors coming home have been telling the same story over and over. The inhabitants of Thailand have been so kind and helpful towards their guest that it is incredible.

Thank you so much, and all the best wishes for the new year.

[Constable Jones]

  This is precisely why I love this country. A friend of mine (18 year old college student) has just spent the last 3 days @ her university in BKK helping.  Thanks for this post Jonesy!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks Michael. I'm pleased so many people are seeing what I mean about taking a few moments before ripping into Thais' for their idiosyncracries and thinking about the better bits of living in Thailand.

Someones' point about the best and the worst was good, because really the worst is seen by very few, who make a big deal of it, while the rest of us, who see its inherent beauty both naturally and from the perspective of the people and their extraordinary generosity of spirit, say nothing so some people are surprised when this sort of situation occurs, and we see this natural capacity to give, displayed.

I originally called this topic something like "read this before you bag the Thai People" but mods decided it was something it wasn't. Never mind. That many of you read and understand the point I was making is justification aplenty for putting it here.

[usatrader]

Here! Here!

Positivity is it not a more pleasurable endeavor than its opposite number that seems so conveniently persuasive in this world?

That is all!

[Koh_Falang]

I have to comment to say the Thai are an example for us all. I have no more respect for any other group of people then the people of Thailand. They are angels waiting for wings.

On a bit of a tangent... My Sincere sorrow towards anyone who has lost people in this tragedy. I find it depressing and frustrating that we cannot do much more then donate from here in Sydney atleast. There has been many pictures on CNN and Sky News of people who are sitting down with their hands over their face crying from so much sorrow and heartbreak. My heart goes out to you all.

[soulsista]

Thanks for these posts. Just wanted to let everyone know that I found some great articles that were really helpful on www.spirituality.com. You may want to check them out, they're very helpful in terms of prayer and calming thought. Much love to you all.

[khunlungphudhu]

I originally called this topic something like "read this before you bag the Thai People" but mods decided it was something it wasn't. Never mind. That many of you read and understand the point I was making is justification aplenty for putting it here.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This story needs no justification, just telling!

/ edit in the title was made because of the unwanted reference intended or not to "Body Bags". The article is great but the tilte could shock our multiple guests searching for loved ones.

Edited January 1, 2005 by Darknight

[Tippaporn]

   This is precisely why I love this country. A friend of mine (18 year old college student) has just spent the last 3 days @ her university in BKK helping.  Thanks for this post Jonesy!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks Michael. I'm pleased so many people are seeing what I mean about taking a few moments before ripping into Thais' for their idiosyncracries and thinking about the better bits of living in Thailand.

Someones' point about the best and the worst was good, because really the worst is seen by very few, who make a big deal of it, while the rest of us, who see its inherent beauty both naturally and from the perspective of the people and their extraordinary generosity of spirit, say nothing so some people are surprised when this sort of situation occurs, and we see this natural capacity to give, displayed.

I originally called this topic something like "read this before you bag the Thai People" but mods decided it was something it wasn't. Never mind. That many of you read and understand the point I was making is justification aplenty for putting it here.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And thank you, Constable Jones!

There are a lot of farang who predominantly see khon Thais for the best of who they are. Their unique blend of characteristics is pleasingly refreshing. You're point is then well understood by many, including myself.

And importantly, our views are not merely pie-in-the-sky fancies, or attitudes adopted out of some illusory idealism, but concluded from personal experiences which cannot be denied and have indelibly left their mark on our psyche, soul, spirit, mind, or however you'd like to phrase it.

You are absolutely correct in pointing out that there are few who vociferously make a mountain out of a mole hill and conversely those that have only pleasant experiences who don't say a whole lot.

Your post is exceptionally worthwhile and welcome anytime.

Edited January 1, 2005 by Tippaporn

[Golf]

Thais are showing their BEST! That's what I always wanted to see. We're doing our best to cope with this horrible disaster. My wife and I donated clothes and some money to the relief center and wish that we'll get through this very difficult time. And I believe we will.

Thank you to everyone in this forum who are incredibly resourceful. My best wishes to all of you.

Golf

Edited January 1, 2005 by Golf

[Pak Chong]

Just to add my 10b. It can be easy to become cynical and jaded when you stay awhile because you see some of the less wonderful aspects that tourists dont. It reminds us that this exists in every nation and we shouldn't let the negative stories (like profiteering in Phuket) outweigh the positive on show here. His Majesty the king, once again has his finger on the nations pulse....

''Everybody has shown a strong intention to live together in peace, and that when a country encounters a disaster, Thais won't desert one another.

''We're ready to help those in trouble, with dedication, mercy and sincerity, no matter whether they are Thais or foreigners,'' said the King.

He reminded his people that uncertainty is a normal part of life.

''It's impossible that in life one will only come across happiness. Hardships and dangers always come together, and that's unavoidable.''

[Harmonica]

Look Ma, just take in this pitiful sight -- the Masters of Condescension & Arrogance have finally had their collective iceberg hearts touched by the kindness of the Thai people ... but it took a tsunami to bring this about ... whew! ... who's kidding who here? .... and what are they doing now? ... they're moaning, groaning and generally, just getting each other off.

For the few (perhaps quite a few, perhaps many) perspicacious individuals who've lived here for at least several months, the generosity, kindness and caring of Thais is legendary and rarely taken for granted.

But Ma, I'm placing my bet here -- in 4 weeks or less, these cold fish will be back to their standard, template-derived modus operandi -- complaining, nattering and mouthing off BS about Thais and Thailand. That's just the way it is Ma; "don't know where we was, but where we was, wasn't it!"

[Limbo]

Helpfullness, care and love, self-sacrifice are human characteristics.

As the opposites are as well.

I fully agree with Harmonica, that the Thai people we are talking about, reacted as we all could expect them to react.

Many contributors to this threadt express surprise. It seems as if they were holding the opinion that Thai people would not be able to show themselves helpfull, caring, loving and prepared to sacrifices.

Some even start to glorify them and are presuming that the mentioned human characteristics cannot be found in the west anymore.

Believe me, millions of shoes have already been donated in the west, anonymously, not worth a particular story.

Only the Swedes brought in a couple of days already together more than 333 million SEK (on a population of 9 million), even not counting the help given by their government. That is almost 200 Baht for each Swede, including all ages.

Too much clothes, too much glasses, too much shoes, the embassies can't handle it anymore.

Most Thai people reacted as most non-Thai people would do in the given circumstances.

But it is nice to give people a deserved compliment. I complement hereby all people who have been bringing personal sacrifices to help the victims of this catatrophe, might they be Indonesians, Swedish, Thai or Somalians.

When grown up people do what they are expected to do, you can give them a compliment anyhow.

When children perform better than you expected them to perform, you can overload them with compliments and express yourself in lyrical terms.

[Harmonica]

>>>> the Thai people we are talking about, reacted as we all could expect them to react <<<<<<<

Right on!!!!!

[ForeignExchange]

Toronto Star

Jan. 3, 2005. 08:15 AM

Selfless Thais take care of visitors

Think of others amid disaster

Modestly decline recognition

STAFF REPORTER

Phuket—Exhausted after spending a long day searching for friends missing after the tsunami, Canadian vacationers Catherine and David Smith fell asleep on the front lawn of a local hospital.

In the middle of the night, local Thais brought them blankets and a large towel.

In the week after the disaster, Thais have astonished foreigners with their selfless kindness.

"I can't believe how great the Thais have been," said David Smith, 42. "They literally gave us the shirts off their backs and made sure we were fed."

"When we got around to asking if their families were okay, we'd hear `four of our daughters are dead,' or `my business is gone,'" Smith said. "They looked sad for a second and then turned their attention back to looking after us."

Among the uplifting tales:

Knot Panit Promnart, son of the Krabi provincial governor, is getting married in a couple of weeks but instead of planning his wedding he spends his days walking among grossly disfigured bodies in a makeshift morgue.

He looks for any identifying marks, like tattoos or scars, so family members don't have to do it themselves.

"It's quite hard for me but it's better than the families going to see," Promnart, 26, said.

The prime minister's wife, Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra, volunteered to help forensic teams identify bodies; his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, volunteered as a translator and then worked packaging donations, according to the Bangkok Post.

A local businessman, whose wife and son live in Toronto, has put everything he has — his cars, drivers, boat and home — at the disposal of Canadian officials. Modest, like the rest, he asked that his name not be used.

Right after the tsunami, hundreds of Thais who can speak foreign languages left their jobs and families and showed up at hospitals, morgues, temples and government buildings to help translate for foreign tourists. Many are still there more than a week later.

If foreigners look lost, even for a moment, a Thai is at their side asking, "Can I help you?"

Tables of free food and water are everywhere and the Thais aren't satisfied with just waiting for people to come and get it. They actively hand it out, just as they once peddled their wares to tourists in happier days.

"They are people from all walks of life," said a Thai foreign ministry official about the local volunteers.

"The whole country is in mourning. The king came out and tried to console people and said we have to go on and help everybody," the official said.

But when asked more about the good work of volunteers, he said, "we have hundreds of foreign doctors here."

That's the typical refrain around here. Modest by nature, Thais point to the work of others.

"It's so frustrating; the Thai people aren't getting enough recognition," said Jesse Maulder, 20, an Australian volunteering at the Chinese temple in Krabi, now being used as a morgue.

The Prachasuntisuk Foundation offered its temple to store hundreds of bodies being brought from Phi Phi island, where officials believe most of the missing Canadian tourists were when the tsunami hit.

At 5 a.m., women are already at the temple cooking food for the doctors, forensic experts, government officials, volunteers and family that fill the grounds and street in front all day.

"The whole temple is chock-a-block full of donations from Thai people," Maulder said, referring to piles of bolts of white burial cloth, bags of rice and mountains of bottled water.

Thai corporations have also been generous, offering free overseas telephone calls and cellphone time, and setting up computers everywhere with free Internet access.

Toronto native Greg Jones, who lives in Bangkok but was vacationing in Phuket when the tsunami hit, got a call from Thai American Express.

"Are you okay? Is your family okay? Is there anything you need?" Jones said the firm asked him.

He had rented a car in Phuket with his credit card and the company was calling all the customers it knew to be in tsunami-affected areas, Jones said.

When Navy Capt. Athachai Brame was asked about the hundreds of local volunteers, he said:

"Come see; these are my angels. They help the people," Brame said, pointing to a table full of foreign women.

"Modest — it's just the way Thais are," said one, Jayne Byer, an American who was holidaying in Thailand when the tsunami hit.

Roy Maguire, who came to Phuket last week in the hopes of finding his Vancouver in-laws John and Jackie Knill, was also struck by the generosity of Thais.

"John and Jackie came here (five times) because they loved the people. "Being here, I begin to understand why," Maguire said.

http://makeashorterlink.com/?G18C2562A

[Constable Jones]

I just come to this place in the forum to relax now. It's a nice quiet place where I can reflect.