Tourism News

Big Catholic Church Set for Opening

By Maewmong and Alan Morison

Religious tolerance was put to the test by dancing Christian missionaries in the aftermath of the tsunami. But now, the building of the largest church along the Andaman coast, Our Lady of Grace, marks a new milestone for Catholics especially. More »

New Blood Centre Set To Save Lives

By Maewmong

One positive from the 2004 tsunami is the work of the Finnish Red Cross. They have stayed on to create a vital regional blood centre on Phuket and a scheme to save lives at sea. More »

Tsunami Resort to Launch New Brand

By Maewmong and Alan Morison

With the third anniversary of the tsunami due, the wreck of the Sofitel in Phang Nga is at long last being replaced by a new resort that will help to drive recovery. More »

The Tsunami: Phuket's Week One Recalled

By Alan Morison

What was that first week like after the tsunami? A Phuket resident relates the story of an island suddenly hit by a natural disaster. This article appeared in newspapers around the world, but never in print on Phuket. More »

Water and Fire: A Tsunami Reunion

By Alan Morison

The poorest unidentified victims of the tsunami in Thailand are the ones who still have yet to be reunited with relatives. Here from 2007 is a report of one such reunion. More »

Bodywork: Naming the Tsunami Dead

By Alan Morison

Tsunami Flashback The work by international police created the greatest forensic detective saga in history. Here is a report from the first 100 days. More »

The Tsunami Toll One Year Later

By Alan Morison and Piyanuch Kwanrod

The toll of the Indian Ocean tsunami is still misreported because of discrepancies that Phuketwan reporters discovered 12 months after the event. Here's what they wrote in 2005. More »

Complete Guide to Tsunami Day Events

By Maewmong

Some have no wish to be reminded about the 2004 tsunami and others can never forget it. December 26 will be a day for Phuket and the region to remember the victims and the heroes. More »

Lucky's Sails Fill With Hope

Volunteers take to the ocean on a vast adventure that will benefit children at risk, if the right kind of support can be found. More »

Walk With The Elephants in Kata

By Ammy Bua

Elephants mark a makeover for Kata beach with a walking street now being proposed. Look out for a former Wimbledon tennis star in Patong, too. More »