Rebuilding After the 2004 Tsunami

(Phi Phi Islands, Thailand) After the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004, the Phi Phi Islands were left leveled.


It has taken almost three years to get approval to rebuild the islands' paradise resorts.

The wait is over for the owners after the Interior Ministry and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry issued regulations on Monday allowing them access for construction, said Charnnarong Techaratkij, the owner of the Phi Phi Princess Hotel.

Mr Charnnarong said the regulations permitted reconstruction and repairs of accommodation which operated before the tsunami to go ahead.

The buildings cannot be taller than nine metres, up from six metres before the tsunami. They must also be raised no higher than 80cm from the ground.

But there was no clear restriction on how far from the beach the buildings must be. This stems from discrepancies between the Interior and the Natural Resources ministries.

Government bureaucracies typically take considerable time to decide and more time to agree. Consequently, many zoning requirements still need to be established.