Tsunami recovery update – Thailand

Despite extensive damage and casualties in tourist areas at the time the tsunami struck, the country was the least affected of the four in terms of loss of life and housing.

Habitat for Humanity's corporate partners have helped greatly in the reconstruction of coastal communities and over 1,000 new homes have built to replace the huts and shacks that previously acted as 'home' to low-income families.

The need for safe, decent homes along the coast of Thailand is still great and Habitat for Humanity's expertise is likely to be required for many years to come. Nowhere is this more evident than along the Andaman Coast, home to the Moken people (known locally as Sea Gypsies), where income levels

are extremely low and the standard of housing poor. Homes in Moken communities are predominantly poor structures made from scraps picked up on the beach combined with bamboo and leaves - most have no toilet facilities at all.

Because of the nature of their dwellings, the Moken people were among some of communities worse affected by the tsunami in Thailand. If another tsunami of the same scale struck again today, the consequences would be little better.

Moken communities are now taking advantage of Habitat for Humanity Resource Centres and expertise to construct sturdy, permanent homes. There is still much work to do but day by day, we are working together to ensure they are able to live with dignity and give themselves the best possible chance in the event of future disasters.

More about Habitat for Humanity in Thailand

Tsunami stories – rebuilding lives and bringing hope