Khao Lak 2004 Blog

A coupe of days ago I got a disc with very useful data on both Khao Lak and Phi Phi Don. It will be of very good use when making the maps. I just need to find out a way to open the files!

Hi!

Today I updated the PDF-map with the data I got from SRV and from the meeting with Norsk Politi in Oslo. So it is much safer then the last edition. There is many adjustmets and added resorts. The map is also reworked for better printing with larger fonts and upright (portrait) alignment.

The web maps is taking longer to make but I will start working on them thomorrow.

Have a great day!

Sincerely

/Axel von Matern

Yesterday I went to Oslo to meet with the Norway police.

Hi!

Just a very brief note. Today I got the map from Svenska Räddningsverket (Swedish Rescue Services Agency) that I have been trying so hard and for so long to get. It is the latest (and probably the final) update on the surveys that the nordic authorities has done to map the resorts in Khao Lak.

This is very important, because now our map will be much more reliable. The data in their map is done very carefully researched through interviews and GPS measuring on location.

I started comparing our map with theirs and I could find some differences. And some of them is confirmed errors in my map. As for now I can say that the location of GRAND DIAMOND, ANDAMANIA BEACH and WHITE KAPS is not correct on my map.

I am truly sorry about this and I will try to get the time to compare ALL resorts and publish an update of the map on monday.

Sincerely

/Axel von Matern

Not less the four people on a conference call from SRSA – Swedish Rescue Services Agency today. Two lawyers and a boss and the map guy… They asked me what I where going to use the data for. And they gave me a new reason why I could not have the data. “The material is filled with sensitive data.”

I could not believe my ears.

Well, it turned out that I was going to get the data anyway. And two hours later I got the maps on the mail.

…well it did not help that I have a mission from the authorities… SRSA – Swedish Rescue Services Agency, just dont want to share the data. Now it is a question about money. “It is so hard to retrieve the data… the cumputers is in the cellar… we dont work with the Khao Lak project anymore…”

I made a lot of phone calls today. I just cant accept that they dont want to help out.

Hi everybody! Here comes Newsletter number 3.

NEW MAP VERSION
First off, there is many new resorts added to the map, thanks to a few of the Newsletter members. Some to those resorts are highly uncertain, so I need you to check them to see if you know some of them obviously are wrong.

Resorts added
Tukta Bungalow (small resort at Nang Thong Beach)
Ruan Thai Resthouse (small resort at Nang Thong Beach)
Amanusa ( (small, resort at Bang Niang Beach not yet open in dec 26 2004)
Sunset Bar (small resort at Bang Niang Beach)
Orchid Beach Resort (small resort at Bang Niang Beach, name is very uncertain)
Amandalay Resort and Spa (Bang Niang Beach)
Andamania Beach Resort (Khuk Kak Beach)
Grand Diamond Resort and Spa (Khuk Kak Beach)
Pakarang Beach Cottage (Pakarang)
Palm Galleria Resort (Pakarang)
Pakarang Bungalow (Pakarang)
White Keps Resort (Pakarang)
The Best Coffe House and Bar (near Khao Lak beach)

POIs added
Meteorological Center (oposite road to Theptaro Lagoon Resort)
Road to Chong Fa Waterfall

Edited
Travellers Inn is moved a little bit south along the road to the correct location.
Several changes in on Bang Niang Beach resort areas

SVENSKA RÄDDNINGSVERKET (Swedish Rescue Services Agency)
I will spare you of the loooooong story on this one… Maybe I write a book. The Svenska Räddningsverket have been working on collecting data from Khao Lak (resort positions, pictures etc) the whole winter and spring. And during the same time I have been trying to get permission to look at this data. But they never wanted me to see it. Now the RSOS (Swedish authority dealing with the tsunami) is contracting me to get this data! Thanks!

This means that hopefully the map will be much more reliable in a near future, when I can compare to their maps.

KRABI AND PHI PHI
The above cooperation with RSOS also means that I will star working on a map over Phi Phi and Krabi. So if anyone got any input on this… you are very welcome!

LIST OF SOURCES
Me and Heinrich Grosskopf is compiling a list of sources that will prove every resort identity and location. This list will be public when ever it is good enough for the public eyes. If anyone wants to help out with this I would be more then thankfull.

Sincerely

Axel von Matérn