Kho Phi Phi

After one night in Phuket we caught a boat to an island that other travellers had mentioned as a good place to volunteer. Newspapers were calling this island one of the hardest hit areas and some said that the government was refusing entry. There were even rumors that the whole island was closed. On the contrary, many of the people who survived the tsunami are working hard to reopen their businesses.

While the issue is multi-faceted, my simple understanding is that after the tsunami the government was interested in buying up property on the island. The Thai landowners got together and discussed it, but decided they wanted to keep their land and rebuild their lives. Having decided to remain on the island, they expected to receive government aid but once they requested assistance Thailand's government responded with a new "negotiation date." March 22, the date reserved, brought only a government offer to once again buy the land. When owners refused to sell and instead asked for assistance, the government simply responded with a new negotiation date.

It has now been 3 months and the government has done very little to help. After the tsunami a group that goes by the name of HI-Phi-Phi (Help International, Phi PHi Island) came together to help businesses get up and running. Travellers have flocked in and are working everyday to assist the locals in their development. Backpackers from all over the world are laying cement, snorkeling to clear trash, laying bricks, painting, etc. One Irish gentleman raised money with his son, flew to Thailand, and then purchased a cement mixer, concrete, and supplies and is now moving from one devastated building to another.

The community here is incredible. Jenny and I have been volunteering for almost a week and truly believe this is a great organization for contributing both time and money. Just in the past week we have seen multiple businesses reopen. Tourists are beginning to return to the Island, but it is still far from a full recovery.

To see pictures of the progress or to donate to this effort (they need all the help possible) please visit: www.handsonphiphi.org

If you happen to be travelling to the area or know people who will be, spread the word.