Business supporters of IBLF and the Thailand Business Partnership have showcased the impact that their community work has had on the survivors of the tsunami in Thailand.

Companies such as Cadbury Adams, KPMG, Manpower, Nestle and Thai Bevthis morning took part in a Living Exhibition - bringing the donors and the recipients together in a setting that re-created the survivors home environment and clearly demonstrated the impact the business community has had on their lives.

The projects - which addressed a range of challenges such as building a football stadium and tackling grief - were demonstrated to the UK's Duke of York, who is currently visiting Thailand.

After the re-enactment of the projects, Prince Andrew took part in a discussion on corporate social responsibility. The Prince discussed topical issues with representatives from companies including Alcan, Betagro, Cadbury Schweppes, CP Group / Tesco, KPMG, The Nation Multimedia Group, Nestle, Shell, Thai Bev and the Stock Exchange Thailand.

Linda Cruse, Project Director, Thailand Busines Partnership, said: "To observe the friendship and empathy that has grown between the local Thai people who survived the tsunami and the business community from Bangkok, developed through mentorship programmes and through employee engagement activities, was the highlight of the Living Exhibition."

The business-supported projects that were shown to The Duke of York include:

KPMG

Student IT Skills in a classroom setting the students of Ban Sak School, Phang Nga Province demonstrated how KPMG has assisted them in improving their learning skills in IT and online learning, by providing computers, internet access and teacher support.

This pilot project has now been set up in many schools throughout the tsunami hit areas.

Manpower

a) Career Transition In a training room setting men and women of Khao Lak demonstrated how Manpower assisted them with career transitioning. Former bell boys, cleaners and gardeners who lost their only source of income as the hotels were destroyed by the wave, helped by Manpower, now have new successful careers - landscaping golf courses, tailoring, massage.

b) Improving Education and Learning Environment Students of Lam Ken School demonstrated the educational support both for teachers and students and the impact it has had.

Thai Bev

Football In the setting of a football pitch students from many different schools in Phang Nga Province demonstrated how Thai Bev assisted their psychological recovery post - tsunami, by starting the first football league in the area, for under 16's and under 13's, and by building the first full sized football stadium.

Thai Bev has brought in young Thai players from the Chang-Everton football academy to inspire them in their confidence, leadership and team building.

Cadbury Schweppes

a) Fishermen: In the setting of Phuket Island the fishermen demonstrated how their livelihoods and the future of their families have been secured by the aid of the business community through the provision of new boats to replace ones smashed by the tsunami.

b) Circus: In the setting of a circus the children of Lam Ken School demonstrated the innovative psychological recovery programme that reached 60 tsunami-affected schools. Grief for the children post-tsunami has many layers and teaching new physical activities, building confidence and encouraging play and laughter have had profound effects on the children.

Nestle & PDA

a) School Lunch In the setting of a vegetable garden the children from Krabi demonstrated how they plant and grow mushrooms, a high selling vegetable, which they sell and make enough money to buy lunch for the school.

b) Village Bank the villagers demonstrated the successful formation of a revolving fund which was set up and managed in their own village bank, enabling new entrepreneurs to start their own businesses and provide employment for others.

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