Phuket, the popular island resort in the south of Thailand, is fast regaining its charisma as the premier tourist spot in Asia back, despite the furry of the Tsunami hitting the southern coastline of Thailand. The determination of the islanders is evident in seeing the fast reconstruction of Phuket's damaged infrastructure.

Phuket which earns its sole revenue from the tourist industry, is working hard to once again radiate its luster. Shops and hotels on Patong Beach damaged two weeks ago by the Tsunami wave are back in full swing, in spite of the controversial reports seen on the International news channels.

Patong used to be the most lively beach on Phuket island but now only few tourists are left and not many new ones are arriving, falsely assuming that Phuket has been destroyed, said Pitak Songtruvyad, who owns a handicraft shop on Patong Beach.

We expect things to pick up in the months of March and April and have to be strong until then to survive this disaster. The local bars and restaurants damaged by the Tsunami are all open again with business as usual but their are no customers. It's very sad to see Patong Beach so empty, Songtruvyad added.

While the mess has been cleared up and 95 percent of the hotels are operation as usual, many tourists cancel their bookings due to wrong information and some Phuket hotels have given their staff two months leave to minimize their overhead costs. But with the strong determination, typical for the Phuket islanders, this painful incident will be put aside very fast and everyone is looking ahead for better times.