BANGKOK, Thailand – Pop singer Ricky Martin (search) says he knew he had to come to Thailand to help after watching the devastating scenes of the Asian tsunami (search).
"After looking at those images on television, it was impossible for me to stay at home with my arms crossed," said Martin, who arrived Wednesday from New York.
The 33-year-old Puerto Rico native talked about the Ricky Martin Foundation's anti-trafficking People for Children (search) project, and the momentum he hopes to bring to the relief efforts in Thailand.
"I have a very powerful tool, and I must say, that is music. Music has given me the opportunity to reach masses of people," said Martin, whose hits include "She Bangs," "Shake Your Bon-Bon" and "Livin' La Vida Loca."
He said he felt a need to give back, particularly to children, and to add to the efforts of the Thai government and international organizations.
"They are doing such a beautiful job reconstructing the souls, especially of these children," he said. "I just want to be one more."
Martin said he wants to figure out what his foundation can do to help, whether it is building orphanages and schools, or producing charity events.
"I will meet with victims tomorrow, and I will see in their eyes where is it that they're weak," he said, adding that he's prepared to give "everything, and then more."
Thailand has about 5,300 confirmed deaths and more than 3,000 are still missing from the Dec. 26 tsunami that killed more than 150,000 people around the Indian Ocean region.
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