#059/05 November 4, 2005
Remarks by US Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce
House Dedication Ceremony
Baan Bang Sak, Phang Nga
November 4, 2005
(As prepared for delivery)
Thank you Dr. Chan for that warm welcome.
Good afternoon Governor Winai Buapradit, residents of Ban Bang Sak:
I am delighted to have been invited to participate today in this dedication of houses here in Bang Sak.
The December 26th tsunami was a cataclysmic event which touched people around the world. On the one hand, we were all stunned that such an event could affect so many countries and people without warning, on the other hand we were overwhelmed by the story after story of heroism and bravery as people helped strangers get to safety and of how Thais who had lost everything shared the little they had left with foreign victims
But first I want to express how proud I am to be here today to dedicate these 51 houses built primarily with American money and labor. I think those stories about Thai assistance to others during the tsunami created in others especially Americans a desire to help those who had done so much to help others. Two of the most highly-regarded American characteristics are those of community service and volunteerism. When Americans saw the images of the tsunami many started looking for ways they could help. Thailand was an obvious choice.
I first became aware of this project when my staff was looking to show Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice how individuals Americans were helping the people of Phang Nga recover from the tsunami. We were highlighting the student to student assistance of American and International students raising money to build a new school for the children in Bang Sak. Imagine our delight in finding college–age Americans building houses right next door. Adding to the surprise was finding that the founder of Mercy Foundation, Dr Chan is a Thai-American who has returned to his homeland to help people in Isan.
Dr. Chan saw a need in Phang Nga for housing after the tsunami and he established a branch of Mercy Foundation here. He recruited Lao-American friends who had grown-up in the US as refugees but still retained their language to help and as young Americans looked for tangible way to assist in the tsunami recovery effort they found Mercy Foundation and came to work. These houses have been built by students from Iowa State University, Boy Scouts, volunteers from Oregon, and church groups from Wisconsin. And those who couldn’t come build sent money for supplies and materials. Of course, Americans volunteer haven’t done this by themselves. They have been joined by dedicated volunteers from Europe and Asia and talented Thais with expertise in electrical wiring, plumbing and other skilled crafts who transformed the volunteer-built shells into functioning homes.
I’ve traveled up and down this main road between Phuket and Phang Nga many times this year. What a difference there is now compared to last January! The reconstruction is a true testament to the strength of the human spirit. Now I see hotels opening ready for the upcoming tourist season, houses being built all along the coast by Mercy Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, the Royal Thai Army and many other international groups. Schools like Rajaprachanugroh 35, and the Pitak Foundation Children’s Learning Center replacing those washed away.
In a world where there is often discord and violence, the response to the tsunami by people all over the world is like a golden thread binding us all together through our basic goodness and common humanity. When disaster strikes innocent people we all feel for the victims. In this case the world came together to rebuild and protect. Here 11 months later, warning towers are in place, evacuation routes established, an early warning system being developed and installed. Sustainable environmental programs are being put in place to protect and strengthen coastal areas. All these serve one goal: to never again have a calamity like this devastate the Andaman coast.
I am proud that Americans have been a part of this extraordinary effort to build these 51 houses. I am equally proud of the wonderful work done by Mercy Foundation, the Tsunami Volunteer Network, the Royal Thai Army and all the many Thai and international volunteers who have given of their time, labor and money to bring this area back to life. I salute you.
To the people of Ban Bang Sak, I wish you long, happy and prosperous lives in your new homes and new community. Thank you.