The anniversary of the traumatic December 26 Tsunami has just passed. Our thoughts are with the survivors of that tragic day as they rebuild their lives and grieve the loss of their loved ones. The Thai communities affected by the wave are in various stages of progress. Patong Bay is the most rebuilt. Except for the fewer number of holiday makers at this time of year, it is hard to see much physical change to the area. The cost in heartache and loss, both financial and otherwise cannot be replaced in one year. Kamala Bay is on the mend, and other areas of the main Island of Phuket are enjoying a fairly good season of holiday bookings.

Khao Lak still shows many of the scars that practically wiped it from the map, but the spirit is coming back, as are some of the hotels and shops. They just need the tourist to return, to move forward. Baan Nam Khem, the fishing town that was devastated in both lives and buildings, has been rebuilt with the help of the government and various agencies. Some of the survivors have returned, but others are still afraid and have chosen to live elsewhere. New neighborhoods away from the beach have been built, and new community life is starting. Some boats are back to sea, having been built and donated by Tsunami relief funds. Many former fishermen are looking for work in other fields until they can recover financially and mentally. There is a tremendous amount of mental anguish to be overcome, but there is a definite start. It is so great to see most of the children back in school, and smiling. For sure they have some sad issues to deal with, but they are the future, and it looks positive. The island of Phi Phi has had a very hard time. Little of the promised aid reached there, and the once thriving, grooving, community is just starting to get back on its feet. With the arrival of December and January, everyone is hoping for high occupancy in the repaired and rebuilt hotels, and lots of vacationers to eat, drink, and be merry, to help the economy recover. Prospects are good.

The Minor Group lost one of its hotels with loss of life to both staff and guests. There was no chance of rebuilding, so the land has been completely cleared, and only time will tell of its future. Much of our staff has been employed in our other hotels, and we have tried to help those that stayed in the area and were unemployed. We held an Anantara CoCo Palms Khao Lak appreciation gathering Dec. 15. Former CoCo Palms staff, families and friends came from all over to attend. It was a beautiful day, and we remembered those that were lost in the Tsunami with a religious service, and the planting of trees in their names. For many it was the first time since the Tsunami that they had seen each other, and there were tears, but plenty of good feelings about reuniting.

Bill Heinecke, chairman of Minor Group at the Buddhist service Former staff plant trees for those killed

It was a great reunion of the Anantara Khao Lak family

We thank everyone who has contributed to our fund, and hope that you will see that there is still a need to continue the support, particularly of the children of the Tsunami. We get donations from the wonderful song written by Roger Whitaker, and have a source of donations in the new booklet compiled by Bill O’Leary. Bill is a Phuket resident and saw the destruction first hand. He has compiled some previously unprinted pictures and stories told by those that were there. All proceeds of “Tsunami Stories Thailand” go towards the support of the children of the Minor Tsunami Relief Fund.

Continued support from Roger and Natalie Whitaker all proceeds from this new booklet help

A new school project is set to begin in the New Year. The Chao Thai Mai School will be rebuilt with funds from the German Zwilling company. Minor Group is Thailand’s representative for Zwilling, and they have been very generous in the desire to help the children in the Tsunami affected area.

students of the Chao Thai Mai school lunch break in the cafeteria which needs repair

help on the way for Chao Thai Mai School

Wishing you all have a wonderful year ahead, and many thanks for your interest and financial support in our projects! Kathy