Haiti earthquake: How Bangkok's clubbers are helping

With the memory of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and the world’s impressive call to action fresh in their minds, the Thai people have made it a priority to return the generosity and support relief efforts in Haiti. 

A number of ways to assist the victims have emerged since the 7.0 magnitude earthquake, which left thousands of people dead and 1.5 million homeless, struck on January 12.

According to Bangkok English-language daily The Nation, the Thai Red Cross Society is calling for cash alone, as the logistics involved in sending goods from Thailand to Haiti is very complicated.

Donations can be made directly to the Thai Red Cross Finance Bureau at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital on Rama IV Road, Bangkok or directly deposited at the following bank account: Thai Red Cross Society (Donation), Savings Account No 0452880006, Siam Commercial Bank, Saphakachat Thai Branch.

Meanwhile, popular Bangkok club night Dudesweet has organized a benefit party to be held this Wednesday at Club 808 at 9pm. Admission is 200 baht, with every single baht going to Haiti via the Thai Red Cross.

“You might think we're idiotic for throwing a party to help those in need. But it's better than sitting around and watching them die, isn't it?” Dudesweet organizers said on the group's Facebook page.

Further south, news organization Phuket Wan says the heart-wrenching situation in Haiti brings memories of the consequences of the earthquake and tsunami that struck the region in 2004, but that this disaster appears to be far more intense.

“The 2004 tsunami pounded the Andaman coast but in causing destruction along the ribbon of the beachfront, it left access for volunteers from the rest of the country. And Thailand has a large system of charity foundations. In Haiti, as with Cyclone Katrina in New Orleans, access is far more difficult.” 

Phuket Wan quotes Brad Kenny, chairman of the Patong Rotary services committee, as saying: ''The world opened their hearts to us in Thailand when the 2004 tsunami hit. We at the Rotary Club of Patong Beach have since assisted in other worldwide disasters and will do the same for the recent earthquake in Haiti that has devastated that country.

''Through our natural disaster experiences and extensive research on the situation in Haiti, we have chosen to send aid through a world wide Rotary project called Shelter Box -- a kit providing basic survival equipment including a 10-person tent, water purification tablets, cooking equipment, and provisions allowing a family of up to 10 to have shelter and basic survival equipment for up to six months."

The Rotary Club of Patong Beach will accept donations in any amount, which can be made through the following bank account: Rotary Club of Patong Beach/Charity (Haiti Relief). Account Number: 563-3-014807. Bank Name: Bangkok Bank Plc Co Ltd.

For a full list of organizations accepting donatings via the Internet as well as organizations accepting international currencies, visit CNN’s Impact page.