In the 2004 tsunami disaster in Thailand, 5 400 people lost their lives and 8 500 were injured. Nearly 3 000 people have not been found.
The largest assistance project of the Finnish Red Cross in Thailand has been the development of the blood service, implemented with the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service. In both countries, the blood service relies on voluntary donors.
A regional blood service centre was constructed in Phuket, and its operation started in August 2009. FRC’s support enabled the construction of a blood service unit that covers in six provinces. The project continues until the end of 2010.
Seven hospitals have been renovated in the Phang Ngan area. Nine hospitals were provided with ambulances, boats, cold containers and other supplies. Hospital staff were assisted in learning to use the new equipment. Health education, first aid training and psychosocial support were also offered to the local people.
The Finnish Red Cross has also participated in developing sea rescue activities in Thailand together with Swedish and Norwegian Red Cross Societies. Hundreds of local volunteers and staff have been trained in sea rescue and first aid in the joint effort of the Red Cross Societies. The FRC has procured communication equipment for the sea rescue centres and trained staff in using them.
The Finnish Red Cross has also supported first aid training and procured training equipment, such as resusci-Anne manikins to practice CPR.
Immediately after the disaster, the Finnish Red Cross delivered ambulances and supplies to nine hospitals in Thailand.
Forty-five Finnish Red Cross delegates participated in searching Finnish people in Thailand, in caring for them and in transporting them back to Finland. Together with travel agencies, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and other Finnish actors, the FRC was involved in the evacuation of nearly 3 000 tourists back home.
Clothing aid was given to 500 Finns. In Finland, volunteer Red Cross first aid group members and psychologists met the evacuees upon arrival. The psychologists and volunteers also operated a telephone helpline for those in need of psychosocial support. They served again on the helpline at Christmas 2005, a year after the disaster.
By the end of 2009, the Finnish Red Cross will have spent six million euros to tsunami relief and recovery programmes in Thailand. In 2010, support will continue for the sea rescue programme and to the blood service centre. The budget for these activities is 200 000 euros.
Images: Papangkorn Teshinrungruang and Taru Tuohimaa
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