Phuket Thailand

ZippotheBrit · #1 03-09-2005, 15:44

This will be my first trip to Phuket (November) and was wondering about the little things that make locals, especially children, smile.

When I was in Kenya, the kids loved crayons, pencils and sweets like most kids worldwide. The young adults loved Nike, Adidas clothing and the like. Of course, in East African villages these were luxuries that they could not get easily unless from Western Tourists. I would go armed with these things and give them out like some out of date Santa.

Now I am fully aware that Phuket is thankfully light years away from an underdeveloped poverty stricken African village but I was wondering of there are any "little things" that are difficult to get there than can be brought over from the UK?

Alternatively, what do you expats miss?

landofsmiles · #2 03-09-2005, 16:32

I always travel out virtually in the clothes I'm stood in and pack my bags with small toys. 3 times so far this year and I've been giving them to the kids at Kalim School that got hit by the tsunami and the relief camps up around Baan Nam Khem.

All I carry for me are a few jars of Marmite and a bottle of Bells

2yo Poom in relief camp

senor123 · #3 03-09-2005, 16:54

Hi landofsmiles,
Small soft toys are always a great hit.
Last time I went to Phuket it was my tirak's birthday. I bought her a pair of opal earings ( very expensive) and a soft toy (very cheap). I also bought a soft toy for her son.
The earings were worn for me but the soft toys created the greatest pleasure.

Steve

ZippotheBrit · #4 03-09-2005, 17:03

One hour at a car boot in the UK could fill an empty case of small soft toys! Someone at the MTB would be able to pass them on to the right people I am sure?

dawsey · #5 03-09-2005, 18:21

What a nice thought.Excellent idea,I'll remember that for my next trip

erik1 · #6 03-09-2005, 19:25

I was at the refugee camps myself and yes small things are appreciated as is schoolstuff. Till a month from now kids even were sitting with two on one chair (that has been solved) but they still need a lot of schoolsupply

domifletch · #7 03-09-2005, 19:59

Great thought, ZippotheBrit

Maybe it would be easier to buy some toys or more useful things in LOS, no prblem of weight overcharge in your luggage and you will make earn money to the Thai sellers for a cheap price.

I gave a TG a little truck toy for her son one day and it was really appreciated, so go on.

andy50 · #8 03-09-2005, 23:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by erik1

I was at the refugee camps myself and yes small things are appreciated as is schoolstuff. Till a month from now kids even were sitting with two on one chair (that has been solved) but they still need a lot of schoolsupply

hi erik where is the refugee camp situated? is it on phuket? i would like to take some supplys to the people there too--cheers!