Just Asking

[norainu]

I am new to this board but I have been taking trips to Thailand since the late 70's.

I am planning on going down to Phuket to see some friends and want to just show up and surprise most of them and lend a hand. One of my friends lost some family members so I really am not looking at this as a vacation. Others I have not been able to reach.

I just would appreciate some input on the situation down there from some who actually live there.

I have gotten some very good info from the other topics and posts so far.

Thanks in advance.

Norainu (Nihongo for stray dog.)

[kandt]

By and large the situation in Phuket is back to normal, or as normal as one can expect after the worst natural disaster ever to hit the area. Some areas are still badly affected but you won't notice if you don't visit these areas.

Welcome to Phuket, we need visitors.

Cheers..........kandt

[norainu]

By and large the situation in Phuket is back to normal, or as normal as one can expect after the worst natural disaster ever to hit the area. Some areas are still badly affected but you won't notice if you don't visit these areas.

Welcome to Phuket, we need visitors.

Cheers..........kandt

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for taking the time to answer. I have friends that live there and some who lost family. I have been in contact with them. I just wanted some feedback from some other people. I'm personally going to be helping a good friend pick up the pieces. His house was destroyed and some family members died.

My feeling is that the sooner people get over the media hype and start visiting again the sooner it will help everyone get back on their feet. I have been encouraging people to consider that as much as possible. I also feel that the charity donations are not going to be helping the people on the street as much as visitors who go there and boost the economy by spending good old cash.

Cheers

[tedkarma]

I agree Phuket still needs visitors.

If you wish to volunteer and help out there is a great project on my part of the island - with a large group of primarily Aussies I think. Check them out here:

Bang Tao Recovery Project http://www.avcphuket.com/tsunami/

truly local people with local solutions. I also like to think that it is building a tremendous amount of good will between the local Thais and the international community. Particularly in the Bang Tao area - which has a high percentage of Muslim Thais. It's great to see the sweaty hard working farang - putting in a tough day - helping out.

This kind of help - just as much as tourism - will be needed for a long time. Just because the cameras left - doesn't mean people don't still need help. Homes still need to be rebuilt - boats repaired - businesses reconstructed. These things take time.

If the link above doesn't work - go to my webpage and on the bottom of the page is a link to the Bang Tao Recovery Project.

If you drive or walk through Kamala or Bang Tao - you'll know things are no where near "back to normal."

[Tornado]

I am new to this board but I have been taking trips to Thailand since the late 70's.

I am planning on going down to Phuket to see some friends and want to just show up and surprise most of them and lend a hand. One of my friends lost some family members so I really am not looking at this as a vacation. Others I have not been able to reach.

I just would appreciate some input on the situation down there from some who actually live there.

I have gotten some very good info from the other topics and  posts so far.

Thanks in advance.

Norainu (Nihongo for stray dog.)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Come on down mate, you will have a great time!

[norainu]

I agree Phuket still needs visitors.

If you wish to volunteer and help out there is a great project on my part of the island - with a large group of primarily Aussies I think.  Check them out here:

Bang Tao Recovery Project  http://www.avcphuket.com/tsunami/

truly local people with local solutions.  I also like to think that it is building a tremendous amount of good will between the local Thais and the international community.  Particularly in the Bang Tao area - which has a high percentage of Muslim Thais.  It's great to see the sweaty hard working farang - putting in a tough day - helping out.

This kind of help - just as much as tourism - will be needed for a long time.  Just because the cameras left - doesn't mean people don't still need help.  Homes still need to be rebuilt - boats repaired - businesses reconstructed.  These things take time.

If the link above doesn't work - go to my webpage and on the bottom of the page is a link to the Bang Tao Recovery Project.

If you drive or walk through Kamala or Bang Tao - you'll know things are no where near "back to normal."

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the info. I'll be down around Rawaii as that is where my mates are located. If I get a chance I'll take a trip up your way. Good work, I'm sure Thailand needs people like you helping out much more than the posturing of all the governments involved in charitable aid.