[K2]

Adding to 'Web Sawadee' that Nicke has posted ..... personaly can say on postive note after doing a 'tour' round the island .... Patong ... virtually back in full swing ... even access to Ocean Beach Road but looked very grim in the still flooded basement (and smell was very srong) .... the open view along the beach is something they should keep and make redevoplment more in keeping with the world class resort they are trying to promote. Got trapped behind some 'official convoy'... why do they need 30+ cars to ferry these dignitaries around when they hold up the guys clearing the debris?! Anyway some very fierce selling going on on Rathuthit Rd - opposite Cristins (now closed for the holidays?) ... good quality tee-shirts for 50B and shorts/jeans for 100/150B - Thai sellers so hope not stolen from legit owners but thought was encoraging to see so much trade going on.

Bars in Karon are back open (3.30pm) when we were there - cosmetic damage and they have done a great job cleaning up. Kata cleared too.

Rawai looks to have been barely touched - only real sign is beached and damaged boats on the beach.

Chalong Bay - heard some bad stories here, but most damge cleared but boats were sailing to outlying islands with tourists (farang)!! Old pier washed away (got to be good thing as was pretty unsightly) and new peir now seems a timely addition!

All in all seemed a positive feel considering what happened just one short week ago. So if your planning a trip - go for it - you will enjoy the pristene beaches and the economy here needs continued support !