Symbolic Launch of Tsunami-Damaged Fishing Boats Scheduled for January 26th
One month after the tsunami on 26 January 2005 new fishing boats will be launched to symbolize the renewal and continuation of the centuries old traditional fishing tradition in Thailand.
Ko Lanta, Krabi, Thailand (PRWEB via PR
Web Direct) January 24, 2005 -- One month after the tsunami on 26 January
2005 new fishing boats will be launched to symbolize the renewal and
continuation of the centuries old traditional fishing tradition in Thailand. The
symbolic event on the small island of Ko Lanta will remember the damage that
took the lives of local fishermen and destroyed or damaged almost 500
traditional fishing boats in the area, but also symbolizes the rebirth and
continuity of traditional fishing here, and the goodness of the international
community who have financed new boats.
On January 26th at high tide
(11:00 AM) in Lanta Old Town, Khun Paitoon Rodrak and Khun Sanaan Vongprsert
will launch their “new” fishing boats -- symbolizing the communities efforts and
desires to resume a fishing lifestyle that’s over 500 years old. Both fishermen
will pay respect to the spirit of their vessels with the traditional wrapping of
cotton-tree colors (Mae Yaa Nang) before heading out to sea for the first time
in a month.
Khun Rodrak and Khun Sanaan are the first recipients of THE
KO LANTA FISHERMEN’S FUND (www.kolanta.net), a grassroots, non-government, non-NGO fund
which is quickly dispersing 100% of the donations in the form of fishing boats,
motors and drive trains.
“Fishermen are proud people” says Opp
Warangkanaa, one of the fund’s administrator, “they don’t want to take hand
outs. What they want is their boat back in the water quickly so they can make
their own living. We’ve hired a boat builder who’s promised us a boat a week and
we’re not stopping until everyone’s back at sea in Lanta.”
The fund has
raised approximately 450,000 Baht to date from foreigners who love Lanta and
want to help at a ground level.
“These people understand that Ko Lanta’s
heritage comes from fishing and they don’t want that charm to go away,” stresses
Khun Opp. “Our donators are happy to see their money at work so quickly and want
to come and give the people a hug when they come back next year.”
MEDIA
INVITE
WHAT: Launch of the Tsunami-Damaged Fishing Boats on the One
Month-After Anniversary
WHERE: Lanta Old Town, Ko Lanta, Krabi,
THAILAND
WHEN: Wednesday, January 26th, 2005: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
6:00 AM
Speed boat leaves Phuket: Boat Lagoon at Lighthouse
7:30 AM Boat arrives at
Long Tail building yard in Lam Hin, Krabi
8:00 AM Tour of Long Tail building
yard
9:00 AM Depart for Old Town, Ko Lanta
10:30 AM Arrive Old Town, Ko
Lanta
11:00 AM Symbolic launch of two “new” Long Tail boats
12:00 AM
Lunch
2:00 AM Return to Phuket
DETAILS:
Khun Paitoon Rodrak and
Khun Sanaan Vongprsert will launch their “new” fishing boats symbolizing the
community’s efforts and desires to resume a fishing lifestyle that’s over 500
years old.
Both fishermen will pay respect to the spirit of their vessels
with the traditional wrapping of cotton-tree colors (Mae Yaa Nang) before
heading out to sea for the first time in a month.
Khun Rodrak and Khun
Sanaan are the first recipients of THE KO LANTA FISHERMEN’S FUND (www.kolanta.net), a grassroots,
non-government, non-NGO fund which is quickly dispersing 100% of the donations
in the form of fishing boats, motors and drive trains.
RSVP:
Mr. Duane Lennie
Mobile: +66 (0) 6
881-2121
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/1/prweb201282.htm