On this occasion we, Phi Phi AID’s Trustees and Committee members, think it appropriate to write to you instead of our Chairman.

On  24 May 2007, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands decided to make Frederik Jurriaanse a Member of the Orde van Oranje Nassau, which is the Dutch equivalent of the British MBE.  On 30 May 2007,  Frederik went to the Old Town Hall in The Hague, which is a very gracious building, only now used for very special ceremonial occasions.  In the presence of Frederik’s friends and family, Drs. W.J. Deetman, Burgemeester (Mayor/Governor) of The Hague addressed Frederik on behalf of Queen Beatrix.  An impressive speech indeed, in which reference was made to the work of Phi Phi AID, and in particular to Frederik’s role.  The medal with which Frederik was presented after the speech is equally impressive.

Frederik responded by expressing his gratitude, but felt he personally had not deserved the great honour bestowed upon him.  However, he accepted on behalf of all involved with Phi Phi AID: the Trustees, the Committee members, the very many generous donors, but also on behalf of all others who have been and still are involved with the post-tsunami work on Phi Phi Island.  In some cases, he stated, other organisations and individual persons had worked extremely hard, in particular La, officially known as Apichat Lanlongsa (Thai), Clare West (British) and Emiel Kok (Dutch) to name but a few.

Frederik addresses the guests after receiving his medal

Drs W.J. Deetman congtatulates Frederik