sofitel satellite photos

from the thai tour website:
"the sofitel magic lagoon resort feature the 319-room luxury resort is built on 50 rai of land and features low-rise buildings designed in an elegant thai architectural style that complements the lagoon-style landscaping. with buildings a maximum of three stories high, the resort blends in with the natural surroundings and offers panoramic sea-views from many rooms. the landscaped gardens and the sound of flowing water impart a deep sense of tranquility. most primary building materials have been sourced locally in thailand."





before (click on pic for full-size image):


after (click on pic for full-size image):


from the accor (sofitel) website:
"accor confirms that this hotel has been severely damaged. lots of guests are reported missing. a crisis support team is coordinating efforts in bangkok and paris. other teams have left bangkok for the hotel to assist. individuals seeking further information regarding guests, please call: accor bangkok call centre on 662 237 6064 from france accor paris call centre on 08 10 10 40 16 from other countries accor paris call centre on 33 1 40 61 74 02"



"the sofitel coralia magic lagoon resort opened in may on a secluded stretch of khuk kak beach. the resort boasted the world's largest lagoon pool with six bars. guests could swim from their rooms along a meandering pool through gardens to the beach. for this, they paid up to $800 a night. now, this man-made paradise lies in ruins. when the waves hit, the water roared through up to the second floor, bulldozing all in its path.

only half of the 415 guests are known to have survived. a third of the 320 staff are missing." (more)