After the terrible tsunami of December 26 2004, I wanted to do something to help the children of Phuket Thailand who had been left injured, homeless, or without a mother or father to take care of them.  Through some of my good Thai friends who live in Phuket, I (along with the generosity of my friends, coworkers, and family) was able to deliver in person, March 2005, money to help some of these children, to help them continue their education and to aid them in a small way on the road to a good future.

   My Thai friends introduced me to Phuket Child Watch, an organization which provides a home or safe haven to orphaned or abused children, street children, and children at risk through no fault of their own.  After visiting the center once and leaving a fairly generous donation (again through friends and coworkers) I met many of the children and stayed and played with the children for hours.  On my next trip to Thailand I visited the center again and was able to leave a very nice donation.  The staff treats the children as their own and you could see the care and love each child received.

   The center relies heavily on donations to supply the children with food, milk, juice, baby needs, clothing and basic schooling that some of these children would not receive outside the center.  For children with nowhere to go, a safe haven until they are 18 years old and then they face the world on their own with the most basic education and with as much guidance the center can offer.

   On my last visit to the center, an ice cream vendor had been passing by and I asked if it would be alright for the children to enjoy some ice cream.  In the heat and humidity of Thailand it did not take long for the ice cream to melt and so much fun was had by all, even the children that needed to be hosed down afterwards.  You will see what I mean in some of the following photos of the children enjoying the ice cream. 

   Enjoy the photos and please feel free to click http://phuket.com/child-watch/ for more information about the Child Watch program and the benefits it provides for loving and needy Thai children.  I look forward to visiting the center and children again on my next visit to Thailand.  If you have any questions or would like to make a donation, please contact me at BillDay@ExoticCouchTraveler.com