State agencies are organising an event in Phang-nga province later this month to mark the 10th anniversary of the tsunami disaster.
Ban Nam Khem, Phangnga displays the wrecks of fishing boats, swept ashore during the tsunami on Dec 26, 2004, as a memorial in the village. Events are being held this month to mark the 10th anniversary of the disaster. Patipat Janthong
The event, titled "Hold Me Tight" will be held on Dec 26-27 at the Police Boat T813 Tsunami Memorial in Takua Pa district in remembrance of victims of the disaster which struck southern Thailand on Dec 26, 2004.
"The victims of the 2004 tsunami will not be forgotten. We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to both national and international organisations which worked hard to ease the suffering of victims and their families," said the Foreign Ministry's permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkaew.
Mr Sihasak revealed details of the memorial at a meeting organised by the ministry, the Thai Red Cross Society and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Louise Bourgeois, the late French artist, designed the memorial sculpture called "Hold Me Tight" which will be used as the event logo, Mr Sihasak said. The artwork conveys the fragility of life and the need for people to help each other.
The activity was also aimed at reinforcing public confidence in the kingdom's disaster security system to handle future emergencies, Mr Sihasak said.
A song has been composed for the occasion, to be performed by "Nok" Thitima Chaloensri, or "Nok KPN".
The event will include speeches from attendees, a moment of silence for victims, and flower-laying and candlelight ceremonies. Foreign embassy representatives will be invited.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will preside over the event which will be organised by the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, defence, culture, information and communication technology, tourism and sports, and the Thai Red Cross Society.
The NBT television channel will broadcast the event on Dec 26 from 5pm onward. More than 1,300 guests are expected to attend.