KOH PHI PHI, Thailand (28 Dec 2005) -- Charges that the Thai Government was more concerned with rebuilding its tourist trade than remembering the 5400 people who perished on its beaches have marred tsunami remembrance ceremonies in southern Thailand. At Phi Phi Island, relatives listened to speeches promoting the Thai tourist industry, and a tsunami song, It's time to heal, it's time to smile, was played throughout the morning. "This is all so surreal. It gives me the shivers," James Judd, from Wirral near Liverpool, told reporters. Technicians faded the song as Deputy Prime Minister Surakiat Sathirathai called for the souls of the victims to rest in peace and tranquillity. What Mr Surakiat did not see were notices in Thai around the memorial area protesting that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had reneged on pledges to have Phi Phi rebuilt within a year. "We never got the money or help you promised," the notices said. Locals complained that huge sums were being spent on promoting memorial events, with the Government bringing in a Thai entertainment company with many stars on its books to choreograph events. During the memorials for the first anniversary of the tsunami disaster, the head of Phi Phi's administration pleaded for more government support. "We still need lots of government aid," Somsak Kittidharakul said, adding that he had repeatedly asked Bangkok to help rebuild the island's infrastructure. | | While large amounts of funding had gone into the nearby island of Phuket, which generates 30per cent of Thailand's tourist revenue, rebuilding on Phi Phi had depended mostly on volunteers. "I find everything is under control in Phuket but Phi Phi has nothing," said Nicky Rigg, a US volunteer for Help International Phi Phi. Some Thais and expatriates boycotted official commemorations and held their own ceremony at the opposite end of the beach. In Khao Lak, 80km north of Phuket, similar misgivings about the Government's priorities were expressed. "The Government is organising a jolly celebration party, not a memorial service," said Nantaya Saphanthong, a representative of the all-but-obliterated Ban Nam Khem village. |
