Can't forget phuket

[Guest]

the fact that we are making other posts and talking about other topics is in no way any attempt to downplay what is going on in Phuket and all of southern Thailand and the other countries in the region hit by this terrible tragedy. This is a horrible thing and it is just awful to know that some people we all know personally will be severely affected by this.

myself I still don't even know what to think, I am more in shock than anything as I see pics and videos of what ued to be Patong beach and now it is just basically reduced to rubble. It saddens me also that this will definately hurt the economy as shell-shocked travellers who were there will never go back, and many people who had thought about it will most-likely cancel now. many people in the airline industry will also be hurt as Thai airways and Bangkok air and air Asia will take a hard hit also. damned shame. I will head back there myself soon and check it out, and hopefully check up on some friends I know in the area. Good luck to everyone down there; this is so sad it is hard to imagine.

[PigDogg]

Very sad. Just as in New York post-9/11 life goes on.......for those lucky enough to be alive. Here's a link listing hotel status:

http://www.phuket.com/hotel-status.htm

[wisetraveller]

the fact that we are making other posts and talking about other topics is in no way any attempt to downplay what is going on in Phuket and all of southern Thailand and the other countries in the region hit by this terrible tragedy.

Agreed, JD. Even though I have been making light hearted posts on this forum in the last few days I find myself glued to cable tv news (CNN, BBC World, Fox) for hours every day. I also know people in the area and am concerned about a friend who might have been on Phi Phi that day.

Good luck to everyone

WiseTraveller

[Guest]

yes it sure puts a damper on new years
there is talk of 3 days mourning by the gov't here
unclear if i will effect the 6am new years party time extention

[fancylighters]

I've been watching the airfares since this was announced. So far, I haven't seen any big drops in flight prices. The loss of life is amazing, and tragic. But, if there is anything good about this, the so-called experts say in the end this will be a big boost to the local economies due to the rebuilding, and the new construction typically tends to be of better quality.

Let's just hope all the relief money being donated doesn't all end up the the pockets of the local government officals.

[wisetraveller]

Apart from making donations to organisations such as the Cross right now, one of the best things we can do to help Thailand in the next few months is continue to have holidays there.

The economic kiss of death is for people to stay away. How about it ATS members? Lets lead by example. (And shag a lot of lbs at the same time) Win Win situation.

[Guest]

 

The economic kiss of death is for people to stay away.  How about it ATS members?  Lets lead by example.  (And shag a lot of lbs at the same time)  Win Win situation.  

I"ll see you on Feb 5 andyman

[rxpharm]

Just had a Yahoo Messenger chat with Mickey.  He has taken a number of photos from the aftermath.  Incredible devastation in some areas.  This is the link:

Mickey Tsunami aftermath photos

For those Linly fans, she is okay and can be seen in photo 8633.  

He says Soi Bangla is pretty much cleaned up and open for business.  Incredible how people can bounce back from disaster!

[wisetraveller]

He says Soi Bangla is pretty much cleaned up and open for business. Incredible how people can bounce back from disaster!

One has to be impressed by the life force of the Thais.

[wisetraveller]

Thanks Mickey for the photos. It is a great insight into conditions in Phuket.

The pics on the motorbike when someone said its coming again have a real energy. One can feel the sense of urgency.

I couldn't help but smile when I saw the ladyboys in those pics. In the midst of the biggest disaster in living memory THEY STILL MANAGED TO LOOK HOT!!

cheers

WiseTraveller