It's been over a year now since the disaster struck - not only in southern Thailand but also in Indonesia, Malaysia, across the Indian ocean in Sri Lanka, India, even the Maldives. I have heard stories from friends in Thailand about the support for those who lost loved ones, homes, and businesses. LIke with 9-11, every nation has their trajedy that they must endure. For now, this is Thailand's. Let's hope there aren't anymore for a long time.

From what I read and hear, places are slowly getting back on their feet, but as the world camera swings away from the Andaman Sea and moves to cover other places, people tend to forget. And certainly, the earthquake in Pakistan is equally horrific, if not in the same way, at least in terms of human lives. And the toll there may not be over until the cold winter passes, many months from now.

What can we do? It may sound like old advice, but I believe that donations to the relief agencies is still the best way to help, if you don't actually live in the affected areas. I have heard some stories about people who volunteered to help rebuild; you can do that if you know people or which agencies to contact. I don't, so I just give money.

I haven't been back in Thailand since the tsunami, but when I do return, the first spots I'll want to see is Phuket and Krabi, some of the Thai areas most affected. I have fond memories of those two places, and the people who live there. I'm looking forward to returning there, whenever that may be.

A list of links at the bottom of the page may be useful for those who wish to donate or to learn more about the tsunami, although it is by no means a complete list.

Relief and Informational links

• Google has a page of suggested links for making donations for the tsunami relief at
  Here are some individual sites:
• American Red Cross
  
• International Red Cross/Red Crescents
  
• Unicef
  
• Oxfam
  
• Here is one informational site with loads of information on each country. See the list of links at the bottom