Survivors and relatives of those killed by the devastating 2004 tsunami yesterday gathered for commemoration ceremonies to remember the tragedy that left an estimated 5,400 people dead and 2,800 missing in Thailand a decade ago.
Two relatives of people killed in the 2004 tsunami embrace at a commemoration ceremony yesterday at Khaolak Orchid Beach Resort on Khao Lak beach in Phangnga's Takua Pa district to mark the 10th anniversary of the deadly disaster. Patipat Janthong
The tsunami was triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake, which struck off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, and hit coastal communities across the Indian Ocean. In Thailand alone, the deadly wave hit the six Andaman coastal provinces of Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Satun and Trang.
Khao Lak beach and Ban Nam Khem village in Phangnga's Takua Pa district, Patong beach and Mai Khao beach in Phuket's Thalang district and Phi Phi island in Krabi were largely flattened by the deadly earthquake and subsequent waves.
Yesterday survivors and relatives of tsunami victims travelled to the sites of the disaster to lay flowers in tribute to loved ones, particularly at Ban Mai Khao Cemetery in Phuket and Bang Maruan Cemetery in Phangnga's Takua Pa district.
Buddhist, Muslim and Christian prayer services were held at Ban Mai Khao Cemetery. Flags from the 45 countries of foreign victims were flown over the memorial wall, inscribed with the names of the dead. The countries include Sweden, Britain, the US, Japan and Belgium. Many relatives cried during a minute's silence to remember the people lost.
Wirat Makaew, deputy chairman of the Tambon Mai Khao Organisation, said his organisation holds annual commemorations to mark the tragedy, but this year was more important, since it was the 10th anniversary.
"The tsunami took place 10 years ago, but to this day, it is still a nightmare for those who lost their loved ones," Mr Wirat said.
Local leaders and relatives of the victims remembered the dead, who included Khun Poom Jensen, the son of Princess Ubolratana. He was killed in the Khao Lak area of Takua Pa district.
According to Matichon Online, Princess Ubolratana posted a message to commemorate her late son on her Instagram account, saying: "Missing Nong Poom. Nong Poom has been gone for 10 years ... but it's like it just happened yesterday."
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Foreign Affairs Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda were yesterday among a thousand people who joined commemorations at Ban Bang Nieng in Phangnga's Takua Pa district.
Envoys from several countries whose citizens were killed in the tsunami also took part in the event.
Gen Prayut said the world is now facing a more violent and wider range of natural disasters. Thailand must learn lessons from the past to prevent and mitigate future disasters, he said.
Prayer services were held for 722 victims at Lo Dalum Bay on Koh Phi Phi in Krabi. Divers lay metal wreaths at an underwater tsunami memorial on the seabed in Tonsai Bay just off Koh Phi Phi Don.
At Ban Nam Khem village in Phangnga's Takua Pa district and Takua Pa Hospital, survivors and relatives of victims joined a merit-making ceremony. They gave food and alms to monks. A decade ago Takua Pa Hospital was a medical coordination centre, providing care to 482 foreign victims and 504 Thais after the tsunami hit the area.
In Ranong's Suk Samran beach, authorities organised merit making to remember 152 people killed when the wave hit the beach and nearby areas in Ranong's Muang, Kapoe, Kra Buri and Suk Samran districts.