Overview

The tsunami struck Thailand's west coast, causing more than 8,000 casualties, flooding, and massive property damage. More than 1,200 children lost one or both parents. Approximately 500 km of coastline across six provinces on Thailand's Andaman (west) coast were affected by the tsunami.

Partners

In Thailand, ERD facilitated a partnership in 2005 between Episcopal churches in the U.S. and Christ Church Bangkok to provide assistance to communities in Phang Nga, Phuket, and Ranong Provinces.

Goals and Accomplishments:

Emergency Aid

Emergency response included food distribution and replacement of practical items such as household goods and furniture, small appliances, bicycles and school supplies. Total beneficiaries:  130

Housing Reconstruction

In Phang Nga province, support provided for housing repairs for ten homes to ensure safe living conditions and site preparation costs for 15 new homes.

Fishing Rehabilitation

In Ban Had Nai Yang, Phuket, ERD provided 13 new large boats, repaired 12, and supplied 52 engines. In Ban Nieng, Ta Chat Chai, and Lam Kaen, 8 large boats and 1 small boat were built. Funds also supported the repair of nets and squid pots. Total beneficiaries: 83 families.

Other Livelihood Recovery

Loans were provided to restart small businesses, including a grant to establish a cooperative for workers formerly employed in tourist hotels. Total beneficiaries:  34 families.

Trauma Counseling and Psychosocial Care

A care center in Khao Lak, Phang Nga provided support for both foreign and Thai workers, receiving 20 to 40 people every day. The center offered a number of training courses for volunteers and staff to understand how to recognize the signs of trauma, including care of children. Total beneficiaries: More than 3,300.

Child Protection/Orphan Care

Six community-based care workers monitored the status of families who took in orphans, and provided families with assistance and counseling support. Total beneficiaries:  153 orphans and 350 family members.