Damage in Thailand was less extensive than in other areas, but was concentrated on the resort strip around Phuket Island, popular with European tourists. Thousands of foreigners were caught by the waves, raising the international profile of the disaster.

The beach behind me was hit hardest in this region by the tsunami waves. Visitors might be surprised at just how much progress has been made since the disaster. Many of the facilities along the seaside are newly built. Official tests have proved the sea water is much clearer now than in the past 20 years. So the environmental results are positive. How about the financial ones?

Phi Phi Island is perhaps one of the most beautiful places in the world. Its small economy totally depends on tourism. Local authorities say tourist numbers haven't fully returned to normal because much of the accommodation destroyed by the tsunami has not yet been rebuilt.