Just wanted to say that we are sorry for what happenend, we were lucky enought to go to phi phi island and experience the rock climb with you guys We really hope everybody is Ok... I would like someone to write me back and let us know that Tip and his brother are doing well, please right me back and let us know... Omar and Juan from Mexico

Hi - I am also searching for Pratheep "Theep" Jantamanee's contact information. Any help
you can provide is greatly appreciated. I hear he and his brother are ok and are in Ao Nang. I would greatly appreciate any information anyone has. Thanks - Laurel (Vancouver, BC Canada)

Dear Friends of Phi Phi Climbers,

I am a friend of the Phi Phi Climbers and was on Kho Phi Phi when the tsunami hit. My friends and I were on Long Beach when it happened and were fortunate to be able to wade to safety. We hiked through the jungle and debris to the main town to find Suchard, Theep, Kiang and Nai and Boy all alive and without injury. So thankful! Everything on the lower floor of the shop was sucked out into the wave and lost. Suchard does not have insurance for the business and will only get a small amount from government aid.

The international climbing community is a beautiful network and many are trying to help. Dale and Andrea have generously set up a Paypal donation account and others are trying to help get gear replaced.

Suchard will need to set up his shop in Ao Nang, close to the climbing on Tonsai and Raileh, until they are able to get Phi Phi cleared and cleaned up. Right now he is having to spend a lot of his remaining cash without having any money coming in, so he is very appreciative to those that want to donate. He is renting a house in Ao Nang, but it does not have a stove, fridge or dishes, so we are trying to get these for them as well.

We went to Phi Phi yesterday for the first time since the tsunami. They have heavy equipment working and are still finding bodies two weeks later, so it will be some time before Phi Phi is ready to be inhabited again. When facing the main beach from the sea, almost all of the buildings on the left and middle are completely gone, other than one or two hotels. You can now see through a few tattered coconut trees to the other side. They have piles of debris burning, but are waiting for ships to haul it away. There is still so much debris and shattered boats in the sea and piled against the beach.

Theep is in Bangkok with his British girlfriend Naomi, who was badly injured in the tsunami and is receiving treatment at a Bangkok Hospital. She flies home in several days and then Theep will come to Ao nang as well.

Kiang is here with Suchard and us and is helping with logistics, housing and moral.

Nai has gone to his home town in the north and in the tradition of Buddhist men, has committed to practicing as a monk for the next several weeks. He will probably return to Ao nang after this.

Boy is on Koh Lipe hoping to get some income through his fire performances.

Suchard is very grateful to all who have emailed, offered support and sent their love. Words cannot describe what we all have witnessed and endured. We are all very fortunate to be alive. Now the process of rebuilding and starting over will demand a lot of time and energy. Thank you to all of you who want to help!

Merilise (Zion National Park, Utah now living in Thailand)

Oooppps!
I seem to be placing updates in the donation fund section. For the latest news from Phi Phi feel free to check it out!

Just posting this to say publicly that I really feel for Suchard, Kiang, Theep and the others in the loss of their livelihood. It will take a bit of effort for them to restart their business.

I have visited Phi Phi many times over the years, and Suchard and co have always been kind and hospitable to me. I've spent many a pleasant hour hanging out in the shop in between climbing.

Although I haven't always agreed with some of Suchard's views and actions, he was one of the first ones to have the vision to re-open Phi Phi for the climbing community.

If you are a climber reading this, and planning a trip to Thailand, you could do worse than bring along some used climbing gear to their new venture in Ao Nang. Ropes, decent carabiners, belay devices and especially CLIMBING SHOES would really help them out.

If you're not a climber, then consider donating a small amount of money to help them get back on their feet. You will be helping not only them, but the members of their families who they support. See the details on this site.

I'd also like to mention Soley Onbut, a climber, Thai boxer and fire spinner extraordinaire. Soley is a friend of Suchard and every other long-time climber in Phi Phi and Railay. He was badly injured in the tsunami, has had two operations and faces many months of rehab. Throughout all of this he has stayed cheerful and positive. A few friends have helped pay for Soley's medical expenses, which have been considerable.

Although it is appropriate to have donated to the major charitable organisations to assist the Asian people after this disaster, it is also good to personalise your assistance by giving to individuals like Suchard and Soley, trying to rebuild their lives. So please be generous.

Niall Doherty
Sydney
Australia