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Executive summary
In Thailand, the tsunami killed 5,395 people and injured 8,547 (with some 2,932 still unaccounted for). The six provinces affected were Krabi, Phangnga, Phuket, Ranong, Satoon and Trang. It was a disaster that not only affected Thais but many tourists too at popular resorts in the south-west of the country. Because of its relative development and accessibility, many of the early news images from the tsunami that were etched on to the globe's consciousness were from Thailand. While much focus has been on the huge international fundraising effort, it is worth noting that within Thailand the government received more than USD 32 million in public donations to support those affected by the tsunami.
The government-led tsunami operation has been impressive by any measure. After an initial slow start, the emergency and subsequent recovery strategy has been effective. Thai Red Cross Society (TRCS) has been a key partner of government as communities have rebuilt their lives and livelihoods. The disaster has also brought new opportunities, exposure and ways of working for TRCS as it has engaged with several partner national societies who came in the aftermath of the tsunami and who remain committed after two years to leave both affected communities and TRCS with a positive legacy after so much suffering.
Because of the strong government lead, the Red Cross was able to focus on areas of proven competence. Achievements have included: a strong legacy in disaster management that is providing better community support; better local national society structures that are connecting TRCS more closely with communities; and community reconstruction that has focused on 'softer' development such as psychosocial support to complement the 'harder' infrastructure initiatives of the government and others.
Significant achievements include the heroic and very visible - and appreciated - work of TRCS volunteers. As always, it was the Red Cross volunteers who were among the first on the scene because they are community-based before, during and after any disaster. It was not simply a case of presence but effective action that really distinguished the volunteers in the minds of many.
2006 has been the 60th anniversary of the accession of His Majesty the King of Thailand to the throne. The royal family is highly revered and the fact that the King's daughter is the honorary patron of the TRCS has had a huge positive effect on the profile of the national society. This coupled with the tremendous work of Her Royal Highness in the aftermath of the tsunami - and still ongoing - has placed the Red Cross in the hearts and minds of many Thais. It has been additionally poignant during a year of major political instability that included a military coup in September.
The tsunami operation was not, and still is not, without its problems. Coordination remains a challenge but significant progress has been made to ensure that partners work effectively together behind TRCS priorities. The national society's ability and confidence in managing these relations has strengthened considerably.
TRCS is proud of its achievements in supporting coastal communities whose world was literally turned upside down on 26 December 2004. The progress includes communities better prepared and trained in disaster risk reduction; fishermen and women faring better as a result of livelihood support; psychological healing for thousands including children; and thousands of others benefiting from better health care and a recovering eco-system. TRCS continues to benefit from greater exposure to Federation partners (as a result of the tsunami). It is engaging constructively, particularly with the secretariat. One output is a national society playing a fuller role as a member of the Federation sharing its knowledge with other national societies, i.e. via a greater use of the Federation's disaster management information system (DMIS).
However, significant needs remain, particularly in terms of ensuring a sustainable positive legacy for both communities and the national society.
For the future, the tsunami recovery strategy of the International Movement of Red Cross and Red Crescent will be the high-level framework within which the national society's strategic focus sits. In particular the attention in Thailand will be on improving "quality & accountability" and to integrate "organizational development" in the core areas of programming.
Contact information
For further information specifically related to the tsunami operation please contact:
In Thailand:
Bhupinder Tomar, Programme Coordinator, Thailand Tsunami Recovery Programme; mobile: +66 819267769; email: bhupinder.tomar@ifrc.org
Bekele Geleta, Head of Southeast Asia Regional Delegation; phone: +66 2 6618201; mobile: +66 18215495; email: bekele.geleta@ifrc.org
In Geneva:
Johan Schaar, Special Representative for the tsunami operation; phone: +41.22.730.4231; fax: +41.22.733.0395, email: johan.schaar@ifrc.org
Gert Venghaus, Southeast Asia Regional Officer (Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia); phone: +41.22.730.4258; fax:+41.22.733.0395; email: gert.venghaus@ifrc.org
Lesley Schaffer, Tsunami Grants Officer; email: lesley.schaffer@ifrc.org
Matthew Cochrane, media and public relations officer, phone: +41.22.730.4426; Mobile: +41 79 308 9804; email: matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org
In Kuala Lumpur, Asia Pacific Service Centre - phone: +60.3.2161.0892; fax: +60.3.2161.1210
Igor Dmitryuk, Head of Regional Logistics Unit, ext. 600; email: igor.dmitryuk@ifrc.org
Umadevi Selvarajah, Head of Regional Finance Unit, ext. 140; email: umadevi.selvarajah@ifrc.org;
Jenny Iao, Head of Regional Reporting Unit, ext. 300; email: jenny.iao@ifrc.org