"what is your source for this comparison?"
http://www.noticias.info/Archivo/2005/200501/20050116/20050116_45065.shtm
U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Ralph L. Boyce explained to Wolfowitz that by the day after the tsunami the Thai prime minister had requested military aid. Americans almost immediately started to move U.S. Marines from Japan to assist in the relief effort.
Within four days, Boyce said, U.S. officials had set up a combined support force with 1,500 people from numerous government and nongovernmental organizations. He lauded the Thai government for making a Thai naval base at Utapau available as a hub for relief activities throughout the region.
Your "proof" proves that you are wrong. They were setting up a command post after 4 days in.
A guy on H&C tonight said he had nothing but good things to say about the Navy, etc... it was the 'lack' of other officials that is/was the problem... he said the military is doing a great job....unfortunatly they can't do security.
thanks, book mark for later.