Disaster Update
Floods in Southern Thailand and Tsunami in Japan
Our hearts go out to the people suffering from the recent twin tragedies of a tsunami in Japan and the floods in Southern Thailand. Read on to find out how Kuraburi fared with the bad weather, and how we can support the tsunami victims in Japan.
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Tsunami in Japan
A message of hope, and how to help
Since Andaman Discoveries was born from the 2004 tsunami, we understand the anguish and trauma of our brothers and sisters in Japan. The communities we work with remember the hardship of recovering from a tsunami, and together with them, we send our deepest sympathy and support to the victims of the Sendai disaster.
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Take a minute to watch this moving video from the children of Ban Talae Nok, about how they survived the tsunami and how they found hope in the aftermath of disaster.
Takashi, a close friend and long-time supporter of our handicraft and education projects based in Tokyo, will be sharing this video with children in Japan. Takashi is coordinating long-term assistance for tsunami-affected children - he is currently identifying the neediest cases. You are welcome to make donations through our US-based non-profit, or by transfer directly to Andaman Discoveries or Takashi - please contact us for more details.
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Flood in Thailand
Symptoms of a larger problem?
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Despite many days of heavy rain, Kuraburi and the surrounding villages that Andaman Discoveries serves have not been affected. Although we have experienced roughly the same rainfall as nearby provinces, Phang Nga has been spared the severe flooding and landslides that beset our neighbours.
I suspect there are two reasons for this - first, our area has the highest annual precipitation rates in Thailand, so the local ecosystems are used a lot of rain. Second, rates of deforestation are very low in Phang Nga and much of the mountain areas are still intact, the other provinces have been subject intense illegal logging and deforestation for palm and rubber plantations. To avoid this fate in our area, Andaman Discoveries' conservation and environmental education programs are helping to protect our forests and the villages that depend on them - send us an email if you want get involved. Click here for a related article in the Bangkok Post.
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Why Us?
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Andaman Discoveries' internationally recognized community development and tourism projects make a real difference. Our International and bilingual staff have extensive knowledge, allowing guests to enjoy a true cultural exchange.
We have developed comprehensive teaching materials for those planning to volunteer in a school. And for folks new to Thailand we can arrange regional transport and accommodations, and even offer advice on traveling (our staff loves to explore the country, too!).
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Stay Connected!
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"It is exciting to see local dishes being prepared, playing with the children in the village, learn the art of tie dye, fishing with the sea gypsies and conversing with warm hearted people who take you into their homes without reservations."
Hien Tran, Homestay in Ban Lion, January 2011
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"Our Andaman Discoveries guide Awe was a fantastic interpreter and guide. She made us feel very comfortable. We had an amazing trip. Wish we could stay longer"
Josh Metzler, Homestay in Ban Talae Nok, January 2011
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