However, in Phuket he was able to offer help immediately in the way of counselling in various languages. When he was eventually allowed to return to Phi Phi Island he was met with the full extent of the atrocities. Friends never to be found, buildings disappeared, the stench of decomposed bodies, passports and other documents fluttering in the wind, all had a profound effect on him. The exact number of dead is not known, but 2000 is a rough estimate.

Those acquainted with Frederik back in Britain were keen to help Phi Phi specifically - and he was able to grab the idea gratefully with both hands, and the seed of Phi Phi AID was born.

The Tsunami struck Phi Phi Island, Thailand, on 26 December 2004. The island suffered particularly extensively because Tonsai, the island’s centre, known as ‘The Village’, is situated on a low lying narrow strip of land. It was battered from both sides. It  has the main school, hospital, harbour, bank, shopping centre and resorts.

The death toll was considerable with casualties including many Thais, British, Swedes, Dutch, and other nationalities. In addition there were many injured, some very seriously. The destruction was enormous.

Frederik Jurriaanse, former Head Teacher of Ridgewaye High School, Tunbridge Wells, England, has lived on Phi Phi Island since 1991, but was on a boat travelling from Phi Phi to Phuket when the devastation struck.