10th of Januar,

We visited the school and village of "Baan Nam Kem", one of the worst hit areas, to look for further victims and to determine the needs of the surviving villagers. Koh Phi Phi and Khao Lak are tourist centres where a large percentage of the victims were foreign tourists and working expatriates. For this reason, most of the media coverage has come from there. That those people must be helped goes without saying, but a much larger tragedy is unfolding almost unnoticed just several kilometers away.

The village of "Baan Nam Kem" was wiped out, no more than 10% of the buildings have been left standing and even those are in ruins. Rows of streets which once housed poor people have been reduced to rubble under which bodies are still being found. Those who survived lost everything: home, family, friends, possessions. Even their boats were destroyed so they are no longer able to provide for themselves by fishing. These people are living in make-shift tents and are receiving some aid from the government, however a promised payment of 2,500 Baht was never made.

From your contributions we have used 100,000 Baht (approx. Euro 2,000) and been able to extend a lifeline to some 20 families. This money is needed for daily necessities as well as schooling for their children. With your continued assistance we can help this group and others salvage their future.
In the nearby school there are orphans and lost children who could and should be reunited with their relatives rather than be placed in the care of the state. Below you will find their names and photographs, as well as those of many families in need.

All of these people require assistance; some will for several years. Even the able-bodied require help for a new start. We invite you to make a contribution of any kind, even the smallest donation helps.
Click on the photographs to receive more information about individuals and their needs. To avoid bureaucratic delays we will make every attempt to connect donors with their chosen recipient/s. That way money can be sent directly to the victims.
The donor will also receive the address of his foster child/family and the address of their teachers. We ourselves will monitor the situation on an on-going basis and accompany any sponsor who wishes to visit their foster child/family while on holiday in Thailand. Please remember, it is not only small children who require your help but adults and whole families!