THE TSUNAMI now has slipped into memory to the point where jokes can be told.

A British journalist related recently how, back in 2004, her three-year-old daughter wanted to know what was happening.

''There has been a horrible flood in Thailand,'' the journalist-mother said. Later, she listened as her child explained what had happened to a young cousin.

''There has been a big flood in Toyland,'' the little girl said.

''I do hope Noddy is OK.''

The journalist has since been practicing her diction.

DOWN ON Patong beach, there's a reunion going on between three of Finns and a local fisherman. Khun Dam runs a longtail that takes tourists out on trips for snorkelling, fishing, or just looking around.

At other times, when the schools are running, he goes fishing.

And he has Tore and Henry Mattsson and a friend, Ove, to thank for putting his boat back in the water after the 2004 tsunami.

Ove and Tore come to visit Phuket every year. For Henry, aged 83, who is Tore's uncle, it's his second visit.

Khun Dam, aged 27, and his father were delighted to see the three Finns on the southern end of Patong beach the other day.

Tore, with some help from Ove, bought a replacement longtail (No. 23) for Khun Dam's father and Henry found some money to repair Khun Dam's own boat (No. 27).

While the family were given 6000 baht to help overcome the tsunami's damage, that was not enough to but a new boat, repair the old one, or fix the motor.

''I am lucky to have three friends like these,'' Khun Dam said. ''It's great to see them. Some people give, and never see the results of what they have given.''

Khun Tore said he was happy to help the family and wished them every success with their fishing. Khun Henry was glad he made his second visit.

''It's a beautiful place, here on Phuket,'' Khun Henry said. He plans to make his third visit soon.

Nobody could remember how much was involved in buying and repairing the boats.