Tourism in Thailand is Still Thriving Afert the Tsunami

Cover story : 25 Feb 05
Vol. 21 No. 22

By Dararai

The major earthquake in the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004 having its centre off the northwest corner of Sumatra Island, Indonesia, caused a tsunami which spread its impact to several South Asian countries like India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Also hit were six southern coastal provinces of Thailand viz. Phuket, Phang-nga, Krabi, Satun, Trang and Ranong. This resulted in tremendous losses of lives and properties.

Kata Beach in former times prior
to the tsunami incident

However, it was reported that only 18% of the hotels and resorts in the affected Thai areas were ruined. Of these six provinces, three, viz. Phuket, Phang-nga and Krabi, are our prime tourist attractions. Phang-nga received the worst effect whereas the other provinces were partially destroyed or damaged.

This frightening news may raise these questions in people's minds:
• Should we go to spend a holiday in Thailand now?
• Are there anywhere else to go besides Phuket and its neighbourhood?
• How long will it take to restore the ravaged beaches and hotels in Phuket?

Another view of Kata Beach

The following information is collected from some newspapers about one week after the catastrophe.
Mr. Watchara Apornsiri, Director of the Phuket Royal Irrigation Project and a Phuket native, has stated that the sea water at Phuket's beaches is clean, uncontaminated and safe for swimming. The tsunami, it appears, has had a "cleansing" effect and many beaches look like they did 20 years ago. The well-known Kata, Karon, Rawai and Nai Yang beaches which were not much damaged are now clean and ready for tourists. Basic infrastructures are functioning normally. And Phuket is still the Pearl of the Andaman and an ideal place to spend your holiday.

Patong Beach before the tsunami
with tourists enjoying the sunlight

In fact, the normal pleasant scenes of Western tourists swimming or sunbathing on the beaches have returned to the areas now. Many visitors are back in the water or strolling along the sand, though the view is very different from the clutter that existed before the wave hit.

Meanwhile, some establishments, pubs and bars on Patong Beach are also reopened. Several visitors extended their stay because of the cleaned up seas that make the beaches more tempting.
Without umbrellas and deckchairs, one can now look over the entire three-kilometer stretch of sand. A few boats dot the bright blue sea, now flat calm after the massive upheaval on December 26, and gone are the noice of jet-skis and para-sailing speedboats. Shops and businesses on Panwa Beach, Ko Maphrao, and Ko Rang Yai are still running as usual.

Regarding Khao Lak in Phang-nga, a newly booming destination, it might take more than six months to return to its normal condition because most hotels were ruined. In contrast, Ko Panyi and Ko Yao were not damaged at all. Ao Phra Nang and Than Bok Khorani National Park in Krabi were affected in some parts but will be restored soon* and some businesses are still in operation.

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*Please check the present condition with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on tel: 0 2250 5500 or www.tourismthailand.org before making your trip.

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Ko Panyi in Phang-nga

Phakkat Bay and Marshal Rocks of Mu Ko Surin are in perfect condition. Moreover, the popular diving site around Garden Hill of Mu Ko Similan Islands was not damaged either. The sea becomes crystal clear as it used to be twenty years ago.

The pristine beauty of Nai Yang Beach

Nevertheless, for the safety of tourists, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment declared Phi Phi Islands, Mu Ko Surin and Mu Ko Similan marine national parks to be closed for a period of time. In addition, some environmentalists advised that people should not dive at night to avoid unintentional damage that may be done to coral due to the dark.

The government has budgeted about 30 billion baht (about 750 million US dollars) for the urgent restoration of the environment in the six affected provinces. So, the conditions in the whole region are expected to return to normal pretty soon.

The Marine and Natural Resources Department launched an initial survey of possible damage to coral reefs in Patong Beach, Nai Yang Beach and a few other places in Phuket. To their amazement, they found that most coral reefs were still in good condition. Only about 10% of the reefs at the bottom of Patong Beach were destroyed by the waves.

The charming underwater world in the sea off Phuket and its neighbourhood

However, this natural disaster allowed us to see the warm friendship and timely assistance from all continents that have poured into our country. Also, international visitors who unfortunately suffered from the disaster were impressed with the Thai people's true sincerity and generosity in this tragic time.

Ko Chang, Trat

In conclusion, Thailand, the land of smiles, can maintain her prestige as one of the best destinations for holiday-makers after such a catastrophe. Our people are kind and willing to assist you during your stay here. They are ready to welcome you with a service mind to assure you the sense of happiness on earth.

Hua Hin Beach, Prachuap Khiri Khan

We, Thaiways Magazine and www.thaiwaysmagazine.com, on behalf of the whole Thai nation, hereby express our deep gratitude to the governments and peoples all over the world for the sympathies and supports we have received during this period of great calamity

Rawai Beach, Phuket

Other Seaside Resorts for Tourists Apart from the Above Destinations
For foreign tourists who have intended to make a trip to Thailand early this year, there are many seaside resort provinces other than Phuket, Phang-nga and Krabi, which are no less beautiful in the aspects of the clean white sandy beaches, the natural environment and lodging facilities.
In the Central:
• Cha-am (Phetchaburi Province)
• Hua Hin and Ban Krut Beach (Prachuap Khiri Khan Province)
In the East:
• Pattaya (Chon Buri Province)
• Ko Chang Island (Trat Province)
• Rayong
• Chanthaburi (about 245 km. from Bangkok and 110 km. from Rayong)
In the South:
• Surat Thani Province
- Ko Samui
- Ko Pha-ngan (about 60 minutes north of Ko Samui)
*For more information about beaches in Thailand, click www.thaiwaysmagazine.com.

For the correct pronunciation of romanized Thai words, see
Romanization System of
the Thai Language .