The management of The Sarojin, the 56-room five-star, luxury boutique resort in Khao Lak originally scheduled to open this month, has established The Sarojin Khao Lak Community Fund to help the local community after being substantially affected itself by the tsunami on 26th December.

“Whilst the team here is still very sad, we also recognize that, with our international reach, we are in a strong position to help contribute to rebuilding the Khao Lak community. This is not only in terms of renovating and opening The Sarojin to help bring tourism, business and employment back, but also to help raise money specifically for the Khao Lak community,” says owner and Executive Director, Kate Kemp.

The Sarojin, is currently cleaning up the devastation caused by the waves and is planning a soft opening for July/ August. More details of the exact date and special soft opening promotions will be announced shortly.  A Grand Opening is scheduled for 01 October 2005.

“We are currently performing a full professional assessment, but at this stage the majority of the damage seems to be confined to the ground floor interiors and soft areas.  Amazingly, the second floor Sarojin Suites were relatively untouched and this is attributed to the sheltered location, design and construction,” says Ms Kemp.

Commenting on the community fund, she says: “Many of our friends and travel trade partners have expressed a desire to help, so we are setting up a committee involving some of our executives from the WhiteKaps Resort Company Limited and leading community leaders to manage this fund in order to help assess and prioritize the key community needs in Khao Lak and to channel the funds accordingly”.

“This is a long term commitment by The Sarojin; indeed, we had always planned to contribute to the Khao Lak community. We envisage that the majority of funds would be used to help with regenerating business, employment opportunities, community infrastructure projects, town planning etc. All contributions will, of course, be receipted, and full transparency of accounts maintained.”

Ms Kemp added that, in general, the clean up in Khao Lak is progressing well, with full support and good organization from the Thai authorities. “Some restaurant, bars and shops have reopened, as well as some dive operators. The water around the Similan Islands is reported to be at its clearest and the secluded white sand beach of The Sarojin remains as beautiful as ever.”

The fund account details are as follows:
Account Name: The Sarojin Khao Lak Community Fund //  Account Number: 247-1-12382-7 (Savings Account)  // 
SWIFT Code: AYUDTHBK   //
Bank: Bank of Ayudhya   // 
Branch: 179 Petchkasem Road, Tambon Taichang, Amphoe Muang, Phang Nga, Thailand.
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