HAVING lived and worked in Phuket, Thailand, for a year and having visited six weeks ago, I watched in horror as the tsunami hit.

But unlike most of the rest of the world, my panic was for the foreigners (such as us), living in Phuket. People who have made their homes in Phuket, and some who have lost it all.

Having discovered that none of my friends or ex-colleagues were injured, I thanked God, but felt devastated by the horror of what they must all have suffered and are still suffering.

Yet, these people remain loyal to Phuket, and why shouldn't they?

The "land of smiles" is a beautiful, tropical island with warm friendly people, full of generosity.

I urge those who were considering going to Phuket one day, to still go. This island relies on tourism.

Having suffered from SARS, Avian flu, and now this, the governor said that they would never recover again.

Although people may have given aid money, the Phuket economy will need tourists too. Please don't make the residents of Phuket suffer any more than they already have.

Sarah Osborne,

Springbank Avenue,

Dunnington, York.

Updated: 10:54 Monday, January 10, 2005