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Hi everyone,
In light of the recent dramatic events from the Asian Tsunami, we wanted to send out an interim newsletter to update the Smiling Albino community on goings on here in Thailand.
Firstly, sincere and heartfelt thanks goes out to all of you for your incredible outpouring of concern this past week. We are humbled and grateful for all of your emails, calls, faxes, instant messages and general expression of concern from all corners of the globe - all messages have been passed on to those people you've asked after. It has been an unprecedented event, and your support has been inspiring. We’re hoping to harness your energies and inspire others on the ground on this side of the world!
We are relieved to report that no one on the Smiling Albino team or any of our friends, family, partners, suppliers or contacts around the country were directly affected by the tsunami.
Report on Krabi Province - Ao Nang and Railay Bay
In Krabi, Ao Nang and Railay Bay have been longtime favourite destinations of Smiling Albino and our clients. Fortunately, Ao Nang was not as badly damaged or affected compared to the devastation in other areas of the south, such as on Phuket and Phi Phi Islands. Railay Bay did sustain some structural damage but the cleanup has been going around the clock and our local contacts have said that the beaches and properties are quickly returning to normal.
None of our suppliers or partners were injured or suffered any personal loss - they all have stated that they are open for business. A beautiful beach vacation can be enjoyed with the benefit of providing needed revenue at a this time. Now more than ever is a good time to visit Thailand! If you or someone you know is considering changing their beach plans away from Krabi we urge you to reconsider.
We will be heading down south today to lend a hand, help out where we can, and see how everything is going. If the local situation in Krabi changes we will keep our clients and contacts up to date.
Update on Smiling Albino adventures
All of our adventures and volunteer programs are going ahead as planned. We currently have clients, friends and volunteers in all corners of the country, including down south in Krabi and Railay Bay - all are currently enjoying themselves. Other beach destinations to which we send our guests, such as Ko Samet and Ko Chang in the Gulf of Thailand, have not been affected by the tsunami. Our currently posted schedule of our 2005 adventures will not be affected or changed in any way.
Update on our volunteer programs
All of our volunteer programs were not directly affected by the disaster. Our current schedule of volunteer programs will go ahead as planned. Please continue to send your inquiries about volunteering with us.
Ways to help out
Through our research and inquiries with folks on the ground we’ve come to the conclusion that the best way to help is by financial donations. Though if you have specific skills that you can lend to the relief effort please contact your local professional association/organization to see how you can help out.
There are a number of international relief organizations coordinating large scale efforts throughout the region. You can use these sites to donate directly and keep abreast of Thai and regional developments:
Our love and best wishes goes out to all surviving victims of the tsunami not only in Thailand but in the rest of South Asia and Africa.
Thanks so much again for your concern and support,
All of us at Smiling Albino
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