http://www.redcross.or.th/article/ploy.htm

“The effects of the tsunami that devastated the coasts of South and Southeast Asia on the 26th of December 2004 have deeply touched the lives of everyone in the global community. This is especially true for those who have been personally affected by this catastrophe, as my family and I have. The killer waves that struck that morning violently stole the life of my only brother, Khun Poom Jensen, at the tender age of 21. He was in the prime of his life, having become more self-sufficient in dealing with the social constraints that accompanied his autism. His bright smile and caring nature will be sorely missed by all the people of Thailand and anyone who had ever had the pleasure to meet him.

Although I was devastated by my brother’s death, and the deaths and injuries of the others who were traveling with my family at the time, I knew that thousands of others around the country and region had also been killed and injured, people who wouldn’t have had access to the help and resources that my family did. I began listening to friend’s and family’s stories of their harrowing tales of survival and first-hand accounts of the massively destructive impact of the waves, which left barely a trace of the hotel where they had been staying. I heard stories of villages that had been wiped off the map, families of which only one member survived, young children who had lost both parents and had nowhere to turn, and people who lost all their possessions to the capricious sea.

As a way of coping with my brother’s passing, I decided to devote myself to doing anything I could to help the survivors of the tsunami. After inquiring about how I could contribute to the relief effort, I was quickly directed to the Thai Red Cross Society. On my first visit to the Thai Red Cross headquarters, a few days after the disaster, I was astounded by the tremendous outpouring of support. The road was completely blocked by people transporting basic necessities, clothing, and food to the Red Cross make donations. Our vehicle was unable to turn into the entrance because the driveway was covered with mountains of donated goods in cardboard boxes emblazoned with the familiar Red Cross symbol. Hundreds of volunteers were engaged in a variety of activities, including sorting out the donations, fielding phone calls from concerned family members, and coordinating blood donors, to name a few. Even though the generosity of the Thais is widely known throughout the world, the heartfelt support triggered by the tsunami disaster exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Because of its worldwide reputation, the Red Cross has become the focal point of the tsunami disaster relief effort. The Red Cross symbol sported by the supply distribution teams and doctors that are sent to the disaster-stricken areas acts as a pass that facilitates the assistance and care of the tsunami victims. In this way, goods and medical care are more easily and efficiently distributed to those who are the most affected. The Red Cross’s international knowledge base and experience makes it the organization that is most able to pool international aid and pull together the know-how needed to help in a disaster on such a grand scale.

The most far-reaching disaster of the modern era has generated unprecedented compassion and support from all corners of the globe. Many people may have made an initial donation as a way to allay their concerns about the tsunami victims. These donations have been greatly appreciated and have been used to feed and clothe those in immediate need. However, the devastation that the tsunami has wrought has long-term consequences, those that cannot be solved with only these impulsive donations. Villages need to be rebuilt from the ground up. Essential infrastructure such as clean water distribution and electricity needs to be put in place once again. Newly orphaned children need to be fed, clothed and put through school. These tasks require continuous monetary support; support that usually peters out as times passes after a major disaster.

I urge you all to donate to the Thai Red Cross Society now and on a regular basis to sustain the relief effort, which will take years to complete. Although many injured foreigners were able to return to the tranquility of their home countries, the Thais that live in the devastated area are returning to nothing but a shell of their previous lives after having lost their loved ones, their homes, and their livelihoods. On top of that, many are being ravaged by disease and infections caused by the dirty drinking water and environment. Without proper medical care and sanitation, the already shockingly high death toll may rise even further.

Please repay the generosity of the Thai people with your own generosity. It is a fitting tribute to my brother, Poom, and the thousands of others who perished on that tragic day. I’m sure they would do the same for you.

Thank you.”

Ploypailin Jensen