On behalf of all on Phi Phi Island, Phi Phi AID wishes you a very happy and prosperous New Year.

It was 2 years ago on 26 December when the notorious tsunami hit many parts of South-East Asia. A year later there were many commemoration events on Phi Phi Island, which I wrote about in a Phi Phi AID Newsletter last year.  On 26 December 2006 I also attended  a most moving event in an empty space in the centre of the island, where houses and shops were until the tsunami destroyed them.  For protection against the sun and intense heat four small marquees were erected in a row, one for each of the four main religions affected by the tsunami:

1. 1.Muslims - Phi Phi  is officially a Muslim island;
   

2. 2.Thai Buddhists - many workers on the island come from different parts of the country, and the large majority of Thai nationals are Buddhists; 
   

3. 3.Chinese Buddhists - there are many in Southern Thailand;
   

4. 4.Christians - many European Christians lost their lives on 26 December 2004.

Facing the four marquees was a larger one for celebrities; the most important person was the Governor of Krabi (Phi Phi Island is part of the very large Province of Krabi).  Somewhat to my embarrassment  I was given a seat near the Governor; without any warning a microphone was thrust in my hand and I was asked to make all the announcements in English.

The representatives of all four religions prayed at the same time, which was beautiful, impressive and moving.

The Bhuddist monks praying

Frederik making announcements