Bill, I understand exactly what you are saying. I think the loss of life and misery caused by this to so many is a tragedy of the greatest magnitude. In the worst hit areas I imagine any family has lost a family member or a close friend. It is hard to even imagine such a catastrophe.

All I believe we are saying is that where the tourist dollars can help the locals and the country and the tourist areas are fit to accept tourists this can do nothing but help Thailand. I have had people call and ask if they should cancel a trip to Bangkok now (fall of 2005)- which of course is unaffected. Geography is not a strong point for many they hear Thailand, watch the news and think the whole country is destroyed. This can be a double hit for a country that depends on tourist dollars as a key part of their economy. The Thai people are some of the most gracious people I have met you hate to see their economy get hit on top of all they have already suffered.

If Thailand can help itself then more aid can go to the countries that need the help and cannot recover as quickly.