Govt Travel Warnings

[SunbeltAsia]

E-mail I received...

GOVT TRAVEL WARNINGS

What are Government travel warnings all about? Since the tragic Bali terrorist bombing, at least one of their purpose 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.

SUMMARY OF HOTELS IN PHUKET & KRABI PROVINCES

Statistics on Phuket hotel room status have been provided by East West Siam

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

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DEVELOPING SITUATION

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

For photo library (from 26-31 Dec 2004) go to: http://www.image-asia.com/post_tsunami_photo_gallery.htm

For beach & hotel status go to: http://www.image-asia.com/post_tsunami_hot...each_status.htm

For maps go to: http://www.image-asia.com/Thailand_map.htm