Tale of the tragedy in Paradise



21/5/2011 Phi Phi Popular resort. Breakfast. Speaking in broken english our innkeeper [Wun]tells her story.



Pam with the owner (Wun)of the Phi Phi Popular resort

The tragedy as told by Wun.

 "The wave came when all the people had been partying. Boxing Day 2004. The first wave was small and the people all scrambled down to the shops, stalls and lower rooms to get money and goods. Then the big waves came 5 Meters plus and they were all caught". She said her friend said "no go back, bad thing this! Go to top floor" and she did. Her two friends did not listen and they go away in the water". There are still trees beairng the scars and stumps of buildings not rebuilt. It is true that developers moved in and bought the prime sites for new hotels. But what of the future? There is a large warning tower housing early warning sirens in the centre of the Isthmus. If the island is full then 3000 - 4000 people will be hard pressed to get to high ground in time. [Our bungalow is five metres to the high ground stairs].



Tree stumps broken off at the base.

 Phi Phi Don the island is as we found it [for a couple of oldies].
A very good bungalow right on the water, a Thai restaurant next door, serving meals, Massages on the beach and the view away from the maddening crowd the stalls and the touts. Deck chair in the water. Paradise.

All too much I think we had best take a rest........