Just been commissioned by Asian Diver to write something on the Koh Phi Phi Dive Camp, which was set up on Koh Phi Phi here in Thailand to help restore the island to its former glory in the wake of the tsunami. The team of volunteers there, both Thai and foreign, have made huge strides in cleaning up both on land and underwater – now is the time to go before the tourist hordes return.
Thai newspapers have been reporting that tourist trade still remains critically low in Phuket and along the tsunami-affected coast, despite the fact that virtually all areas have been restored to normal. Even in Khao Lak, the worst affected region, the 5 Star Le Meridien hotel is re-opening in October. Around the multinational companies in Thailand, there are scores of Thai-owned businesses that rely on tourism to function. They just need the tourists to come back.
Still got two filed articles waiting for publication at AD – my visit to Koh Lanta (which involved the best dive of my life); and my environment piece on Lankayan island in Borneo. Once they’re in print, I can put them up here.
More on Koh Phi Phi Dive Camp:
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