The tsunami that struck on December 26, 2004, caused unprecedented death and destruction in the southern Thai province of Phang-nga. K.I.Asia quickly allocated existing resources and expertise to assist in the near term. In particular, funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Trade Development Agency (USTDA) was dedicated to assist small and medium size enterprises, entrepreneurs and community savings groups get refinanced and back in business. In addition, funding from the American Corporations of Thailand (ACT) provided scholarships for middle school students at risk of dropping out of school, with scholarships.

For longer term development, K.I.Asia designed the Tsunami Recovery Action Initiative (TRAI). This three-year initiative focuses on building capacities in sustainable tourism, including implementing sustainable tourism education; developing the capabilities of tourism entrepreneurs, hotel managers, and tourism industry staff; and building community participation in sustainable tourism. K.I.Asia has received USD one million in generous support from the Kenan Charitable Trust and the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise for this initiative. K.IAsia is concentrating its efforts on the Lam Kaen and Kuk Kak communities, including the resort area of Khao Lak. The Kenan TRAI program has two broad goals: 1) to improve the livelihoods of those affected by the tsunami in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner; and, 2) to pilot and document a model for other communities to use to recover from disasters. K.I.Asia is implementing the program in close collaboration with the Phang-nga Governor’s office, Phang-nga Tourist Association, Ministry of Education and the Lam Kaen Tambon Administration Office.