Statement Warm Water Divers

Patong, January 5th, 2005.

Through this statement we, as an individual Dive operator in Phuket, would like to express our position and views on the events which have recently passed. Like the rest of the world, we are shocked at the impact of the Tsunami which hit us on December 26th. Our thoughts go out to all the victims and their families who have been hit in Phi Phi, Khao Lak, different parts of Phuket and of course in the entire region. Under these circumstances we are very lucky to find ourselves in a position where we have had no losses in terms of staff, customers or friends, only material losses. We have unfortunately lost our beach shop and have had to move our training facilities from the Amari Resort, which has been closed at this time. Fortunately our main shop and IDC center, as well as our shop in Trang have been untouched by the disaster.

From our point of view it is irresponsible to leave at this moment, when problems are at hand and economic crisis will follow. Out of solidarity with our Thai employees we will therefore continue with our activities as usual. We have been earning our livelihood here on the island for several years, and out of respect for our Thai staff we will carry the burden in this difficult time, in the same way as we have shared prosperity during the last years.

Right now, the best help we can get is to prevent future travellers to Thailand from canceling their trips. If you want to help the people in Phuket, please send tourists this way, let them stay at one of the many operating hotels, let them eat at the restaurants, buy their souvenirs and book their excursions. The situation in Patong is one of rebuilding and cleaning up. The terrible images on the news have been replaced by those of people who are rebuilding the towns and their lives. At this moment, the streets of Patong are being swept and hotels at the seafront are being repaired, nightlife is starting to get busy again. Everyday positive messages are reaching us about unharmed corals and reefs at the Similans or around Phuket. The basic estimates which have come in this week are those of 90% unharmed reefs at the Similans, contrary to what the media reports portray.

Furthermore we do not want to ask you to send any money. Financial aid is needed in badly developed areas like Indonesia or Sri Lanka who have been hit hard by this disaster. In those areas people need basic facilities like food and shelter, something which is not the case in Phuket. The only thing we ask is to advise people abroad that Phuket is functioning as usual and that Patong is ready to receive tourists.

Warm Water Divers has decided to operate its facilities as usual as per January 2nd 2005. It is as much a moral question to weigh the ethical considerations against the need for all of us to get back to normalization, but please allow us to do so. If you are in need of any information regarding the current situation, please do not hesitate to contact us.

With best regards,

Management Team Warm Water Divers
Warm Water Divers Co. Ltd.
227/229 Ratuthit 200 Pee Road
Patong Beach, 83150 Phuket, Thailand
www.warmwaterdivers.com