Remembering the 2004 tsunami in Phuket

[CharlieH]

 

A disaster that transpired almost two decades ago, yet the wounds are still fresh for many present on the southern island at the time. Although Phuket has evolved to become a powerhouse of Thailand’s tourism as of late, for those present on the fateful day in 2004, the memories of a sunny day quickly turning deadly remain engraved in their minds for decades to come.

On Boxing Day 2004, just after Christmas where children woke up to the presents delivered by Santa just the night prior. The festive season spirits and atmosphere still lingered as many prepared for the short stretch towards the new year.

 

As the festivities continued, the residents and tourists of Phuket carried on with their days, blissfully unaware of the 9.1 magnitude earthquake at an undersea fault in the Indian Ocean. A stark juxtaposition to a characteristically warm and sunny day on the tropical island was yet to come.

Soon to be overthrown by nothing but darkness and despair that was the tsunami, claiming many innocent lives and haunting the minds of many, piercing their minds with anguish until this very day.

 

The warm and sunny day was merely a facade after all, but who was to predict this untimely disaster?

The tsunami that engulfed Phuket on December 26, 2004, ultimately was the ripple effect of one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded on God’s green earth. If I were to put it in its simplest form, the earthquake caused a tsunami. But of course, there’s a little more to it than that.

Let’s imagine the earth’s surface as one giant eggshell. Now think of the pieces of the eggshells as tectonic plates. For millions of years, these plates have been moving very slowly. They can bump, slide, or pull each other apart.

 

In December of 2004, the Indian Oceanic plate was forced under, towards the earth’s core by the movement of the Burma microplate. What then ensued was a rupture along the 1,200-kilometre fault, causing the ocean floor to rise by roughly 40 metres, displacing large amounts of water. You may think that a meagre 40 metres may not account for much, but it was enough to send waves moving at over 900 kph.

What steps have been taken for prevention since then?

Tsunami warning tower by the coast of Krabi, Thailand | Photo courtesy of ©Studio Concept taken from Shutterstock

Before 2004, Thailand lacked a tsunami early warning system, and both locals and tourists were unaware of the threat. There were no emergency response plans in place in the six Andaman coastal provinces, which led to significant loss of life and property.

In response, Thailand has since invested in a multi-hazard warning system, regularly conducts drills, and developed a disaster risk management plan based on the “build back better” concept for a more resilient society.

Thailand’s disaster management regulations, such as the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act (2007) and the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan (2010-2014), have established guidelines for effective preparedness and response.

The country has set up the National Disaster Warning Centre, two tsunami monitoring buoys, automatic tidal gauge stations, and over 130 warning towers across at-risk areas. These measures, including multi-language alarm systems, ensure timely alerts and evacuation to protect people from various hazards, including tsunamis.

 

Places and events to remember the 2004 Phuket Tsunami disaster

To remember the disaster that was the Tsunami in Phuket in 2004 and those who have lost their lives to it, there are memorials and events held to honour the dead and not forget about this tragedy.

*Details are coming in as the date approaches so this article and section will continue to be updated following up to the day.

The Wall of Remembrance

Pictures taken during the 19th-anniversary memorial service | Photo taken from the Facebook page of Mai Khao OrBorTor

Located near the airport in Mai Khao, the Wall of Remembrance or the Tsunami Memorial Wall is a memorial that lists the names and nationalities of the victims who lost their lives in the disaster. The wall is maintained by the Mai Khao OrBorTor (local provincial mayoral government) and they organise the service every year on December 26 at the Mai Khao Cemetery.

Although there have been no official announcements right now, based on the pattern, there could be a minute silence starting at 8.30am followed by a formal speech. After the speech, Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian prayers will begin for the souls lost to the disaster.

 

After the prayers, the attendees will hang wreaths on the wall which are lined with the 45 nationalities of the victims who were in Phuket during the Tsunami in 2004.

Ban Nam Khem Memorial Park

Photo taken from TripNiceDay official website

Opening hours: Opens daily from 8am to 8pm, Exhibition hall opens from 8am to 5pm

Fee: No entry fee

Address: V758+M3G, Takua Pa District, Phang Nga 82190

Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park, located 7 kilometres from Takua Pa District, covers 8,000 square metres and features several areas, including a Resting Area, Health Area, Playground, and the Tsunami Memorial Area, which is the park’s focal point. The memorial includes a curved concrete wall symbolising the tsunami, an old fishing boat damaged by the disaster, and a clay wall with over 1,400 carved names of the deceased.

The park also houses a royal statue of the Prince of Chumphon and a Buddha image, revered by local fishermen. Visitors can enjoy the nearby beach with its white sand, clear ocean, and a variety of seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and tourist information.

Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum

Photo taken from the Khao Lak Centre official website

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 4.30pm

Fee: Free of charge

Address: พิพิธภัณฑ์สึนามิบ้านน้ำเค็ม Bang Muang, Takua Pa District, Phang Nga 82190

The Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum is an essential addition to Khao Lak’s 2004 tsunami memorials, offering both an educational experience and a place of remembrance. The museum provides a comprehensive look at the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, its devastating impact on Khao Lak, and the long recovery process.

Exhibits include a mini-cinema that shows documentaries and animations, damaged personal artefacts, and educational panels that explain the causes of the tsunami, the scale of the waves, and the response to the disaster.

 

Visitors can explore the exhibits and learn about the emotional and physical toll of the tsunami while reflecting on the tremendous efforts made by local and international aid organisations during the recovery. The museum also happens to be near the Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park.

You can visit both memorials in one day and it will bring back a haunting yet important experience to understand how the Tsunami started, where it went, and the havoc it wreaked on Phuket.

Light Up Phuket

The candles at the Light Up Phuket event | Photo by Myked taken from Flickr

Every year at Patong Beach, there is a memorial service held on December 26 usually starting from 5pm. At this ceremony, there are also multi-faith ceremonies for the many nationalities of the victims of the Tsunami in Phuket and also a minute silence as well.

Afterwards, attendees will dig up a hole in the ground and place lit candles in them in order to remember the thousands of lives that were lost in the disaster. This year, at the very moment, there are no official announcements about the ceremony. Keep in mind though that the events have taken place at Loma Park.

 

With that, it would be wise to follow up with the official sources to find out more about the time and place. It has been confirmed with local sources that there will be the Light Up Phuket event at Patong Beach this year and it will start at 5pm to 9pm.

Event: The Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of Indian Ocean Tsunami

The event on December 26 at Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa will begin with registration and an exhibition tour, followed by the arrival of VIPs and distinguished guests. The opening ceremony will include remarks from key representatives, such as Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Interior of Thailand, and other officials from ASEAN, the EU, and UNDP.

According to the schedule, a commemorative video marking the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami will be shown, and the event will also honour the victims of the tragedy. Afterwards, an academic seminar will cover various topics, including public health, early warning systems, and research. The day will conclude with a welcome dinner.

 

On December 27, the day will begin with a memorial ceremony for the tsunami victims. This will be followed by a site visit to Ban Nam Khem, including the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park, the community, and the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum. After the visit, lunch will be served, and the event will conclude with a return to the hotel.

This disaster was a real tragedy not only for the people who lived in Phuket but also for those who have had friends and family visiting there. This has affected Thailand deeply and has encouraged new prevention methods to be established and a lot of efforts to keep the memory of the victims alive.

Attend the memorials and events to pay your respects! A lot of suffering occurred back in Phuket in 2004 due to the tsunami and every little piece of mind and support that you offer helps.

 

 

[Will B Good]

Lying in bed in the Lek Hotel Pattaya.......8am ish from memory......very gentle sway and thought....there's been an earthquake somewhere.....never thought much about it until the news broke.

[scubascuba3]

Khao Lak over 2,000 people died, far more than anywhere else in Thailand, i was there 2 weeks before, every person on the beach i knew, fruit sellers, food sellers, probably dead

[webfact]

20th anniversary: Phuket looks back on Boxing Day tsunami

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

 

Photo courtesy of Chai Shop Films

 

Two decades after the catastrophic Indian Ocean Tsunami, communities along Thailand’s Andaman coast, including Phuket, gathered today, Boxing Day, to honour the lives lost and reflect on the lessons learned from that fateful day in 2004. The disaster claimed an estimated 230,000 to 280,000 lives across multiple countries, with Thailand designating December 26 as National Disaster Prevention Day in its wake.

 

In Thailand alone, 5,078 lives were confirmed lost, 8,457 people injured, and 3,716 missing, presumed dead. Phang Nga bore the brunt of the tragedy, with over 4,100 confirmed fatalities, including 2,213 foreign tourists. In Phuket, 259 deaths were recorded, but hundreds remain unaccounted for.

 

Eyewitnesses recalled the tsunami’s terrifying power.

 

“Patong was severely affected. The water reached as high as a three-storey building,” said Weerawit Kruesombat, President of the Patong Entertainment Association.

 

Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri narrowly escaped the waves, which struck at 10.40am.

 

“The devastation was beyond words—overturned cars, scattered debris, and so many lives lost.”

 

Locals like Khun Bo vividly remember the chaos.

 

 

 

“The sea receded so far back the beach was dry. Minutes later, the waves returned with incredible force. I climbed a tree and clung on for hours.”

 

Today, Phuket boasts enhanced tsunami defences, including 13 warning towers along its west coast and a buoy detection system offering up to 2.5 hours’ warning. Regular evacuation drills and community education initiatives aim to prevent a repeat of 2004’s tragedy, reported The Phuket News.

 

Yet concerns linger.

 

“Sometimes the buoys fail. We need better inland warning systems and evacuation plans.”

 

Mayor Chalermsak emphasised the importance of preparedness.

 

“Our rescue teams are well-trained, and warning systems are tested weekly. We’ve come a long way since 2004.”

 

While the pain of the past endures, survivors and officials are united in their resolve to protect future generations from such devastation.

 

An Australian father still mourns his teenage son lost to the waves 20 years ago. As the ocean roared back with walls of water up to 30 metres high, the 67 year old Aussie dad tried desperately to protect his son who had Down’s syndrome. Holding his son against a hotel pillar, the man was swept away by the sheer force of the wave.

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-12-26

 

 

[Funkymover]

17 hours ago, CharlieH said:

 

A disaster that transpired almost two decades ago, yet the wounds are still fresh for many present on the southern island at the time. Although Phuket has evolved to become a powerhouse of Thailand’s tourism as of late, for those present on the fateful day in 2004, the memories of a sunny day quickly turning deadly remain engraved in their minds for decades to come.

On Boxing Day 2004, just after Christmas where children woke up to the presents delivered by Santa just the night prior. The festive season spirits and atmosphere still lingered as many prepared for the short stretch towards the new year.

 

As the festivities continued, the residents and tourists of Phuket carried on with their days, blissfully unaware of the 9.1 magnitude earthquake at an undersea fault in the Indian Ocean. A stark juxtaposition to a characteristically warm and sunny day on the tropical island was yet to come.

Soon to be overthrown by nothing but darkness and despair that was the tsunami, claiming many innocent lives and haunting the minds of many, piercing their minds with anguish until this very day.

 

The warm and sunny day was merely a facade after all, but who was to predict this untimely disaster?

The tsunami that engulfed Phuket on December 26, 2004, ultimately was the ripple effect of one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded on God’s green earth. If I were to put it in its simplest form, the earthquake caused a tsunami. But of course, there’s a little more to it than that.

Let’s imagine the earth’s surface as one giant eggshell. Now think of the pieces of the eggshells as tectonic plates. For millions of years, these plates have been moving very slowly. They can bump, slide, or pull each other apart.

 

In December of 2004, the Indian Oceanic plate was forced under, towards the earth’s core by the movement of the Burma microplate. What then ensued was a rupture along the 1,200-kilometre fault, causing the ocean floor to rise by roughly 40 metres, displacing large amounts of water. You may think that a meagre 40 metres may not account for much, but it was enough to send waves moving at over 900 kph.

What steps have been taken for prevention since then?

Tsunami warning tower by the coast of Krabi, Thailand | Photo courtesy of ©Studio Concept taken from Shutterstock

Before 2004, Thailand lacked a tsunami early warning system, and both locals and tourists were unaware of the threat. There were no emergency response plans in place in the six Andaman coastal provinces, which led to significant loss of life and property.

In response, Thailand has since invested in a multi-hazard warning system, regularly conducts drills, and developed a disaster risk management plan based on the “build back better” concept for a more resilient society.

Thailand’s disaster management regulations, such as the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act (2007) and the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan (2010-2014), have established guidelines for effective preparedness and response.

The country has set up the National Disaster Warning Centre, two tsunami monitoring buoys, automatic tidal gauge stations, and over 130 warning towers across at-risk areas. These measures, including multi-language alarm systems, ensure timely alerts and evacuation to protect people from various hazards, including tsunamis.

 

Places and events to remember the 2004 Phuket Tsunami disaster

To remember the disaster that was the Tsunami in Phuket in 2004 and those who have lost their lives to it, there are memorials and events held to honour the dead and not forget about this tragedy.

*Details are coming in as the date approaches so this article and section will continue to be updated following up to the day.

The Wall of Remembrance

Pictures taken during the 19th-anniversary memorial service | Photo taken from the Facebook page of Mai Khao OrBorTor

Located near the airport in Mai Khao, the Wall of Remembrance or the Tsunami Memorial Wall is a memorial that lists the names and nationalities of the victims who lost their lives in the disaster. The wall is maintained by the Mai Khao OrBorTor (local provincial mayoral government) and they organise the service every year on December 26 at the Mai Khao Cemetery.

Although there have been no official announcements right now, based on the pattern, there could be a minute silence starting at 8.30am followed by a formal speech. After the speech, Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian prayers will begin for the souls lost to the disaster.

 

After the prayers, the attendees will hang wreaths on the wall which are lined with the 45 nationalities of the victims who were in Phuket during the Tsunami in 2004.

Ban Nam Khem Memorial Park

Photo taken from TripNiceDay official website

Opening hours: Opens daily from 8am to 8pm, Exhibition hall opens from 8am to 5pm

Fee: No entry fee

Address: V758+M3G, Takua Pa District, Phang Nga 82190

Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park, located 7 kilometres from Takua Pa District, covers 8,000 square metres and features several areas, including a Resting Area, Health Area, Playground, and the Tsunami Memorial Area, which is the park’s focal point. The memorial includes a curved concrete wall symbolising the tsunami, an old fishing boat damaged by the disaster, and a clay wall with over 1,400 carved names of the deceased.

The park also houses a royal statue of the Prince of Chumphon and a Buddha image, revered by local fishermen. Visitors can enjoy the nearby beach with its white sand, clear ocean, and a variety of seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and tourist information.

Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum

Photo taken from the Khao Lak Centre official website

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 4.30pm

Fee: Free of charge

Address: พิพิธภัณฑ์สึนามิบ้านน้ำเค็ม Bang Muang, Takua Pa District, Phang Nga 82190

The Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum is an essential addition to Khao Lak’s 2004 tsunami memorials, offering both an educational experience and a place of remembrance. The museum provides a comprehensive look at the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, its devastating impact on Khao Lak, and the long recovery process.

Exhibits include a mini-cinema that shows documentaries and animations, damaged personal artefacts, and educational panels that explain the causes of the tsunami, the scale of the waves, and the response to the disaster.

 

Visitors can explore the exhibits and learn about the emotional and physical toll of the tsunami while reflecting on the tremendous efforts made by local and international aid organisations during the recovery. The museum also happens to be near the Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park.

You can visit both memorials in one day and it will bring back a haunting yet important experience to understand how the Tsunami started, where it went, and the havoc it wreaked on Phuket.

Light Up Phuket

The candles at the Light Up Phuket event | Photo by Myked taken from Flickr

Every year at Patong Beach, there is a memorial service held on December 26 usually starting from 5pm. At this ceremony, there are also multi-faith ceremonies for the many nationalities of the victims of the Tsunami in Phuket and also a minute silence as well.

Afterwards, attendees will dig up a hole in the ground and place lit candles in them in order to remember the thousands of lives that were lost in the disaster. This year, at the very moment, there are no official announcements about the ceremony. Keep in mind though that the events have taken place at Loma Park.

 

With that, it would be wise to follow up with the official sources to find out more about the time and place. It has been confirmed with local sources that there will be the Light Up Phuket event at Patong Beach this year and it will start at 5pm to 9pm.

Event: The Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of Indian Ocean Tsunami

The event on December 26 at Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa will begin with registration and an exhibition tour, followed by the arrival of VIPs and distinguished guests. The opening ceremony will include remarks from key representatives, such as Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Interior of Thailand, and other officials from ASEAN, the EU, and UNDP.

According to the schedule, a commemorative video marking the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami will be shown, and the event will also honour the victims of the tragedy. Afterwards, an academic seminar will cover various topics, including public health, early warning systems, and research. The day will conclude with a welcome dinner.

 

On December 27, the day will begin with a memorial ceremony for the tsunami victims. This will be followed by a site visit to Ban Nam Khem, including the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park, the community, and the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum. After the visit, lunch will be served, and the event will conclude with a return to the hotel.

This disaster was a real tragedy not only for the people who lived in Phuket but also for those who have had friends and family visiting there. This has affected Thailand deeply and has encouraged new prevention methods to be established and a lot of efforts to keep the memory of the victims alive.

Attend the memorials and events to pay your respects! A lot of suffering occurred back in Phuket in 2004 due to the tsunami and every little piece of mind and support that you offer helps.

 

 

I remember within a couple of hours bars were opening for business and a couple of days later some sick f..kss were selling cd's with the highlights . Any excuse to make money .

[hotchilli]

18 hours ago, CharlieH said:

As the festivities continued, the residents and tourists of Phuket carried on with their days, blissfully unaware of the 9.1 magnitude earthquake at an undersea fault in the Indian Ocean. A stark juxtaposition to a characteristically warm and sunny day on the tropical island was yet to come.

Soon to be overthrown by nothing but darkness and despair that was the tsunami, claiming many innocent lives and haunting the minds of many, piercing their minds with anguish until this very day.

The same thing could happen again, and the outcome would be exactly the same...

Phuket was and still is under-prepared.

Yes they now have Tsunami bouys out in the ocean, but has Phuket itself any emergency plans, what to do, where to go.

Are establishments trained in assisting local and international tourists?

NO.

They may boast that they have contingency plans and have drills... how often are they done, when was the last one?

Take Japan as an example, everyone down to the last child knows what to do..

Can Thailand boast the same... NO

[mr_lob]

20 years ago, I was sleeping off a hangover from Christmas Day. I should have been teaching a discover scuba diving course at Phi Phi that morning but luckily my customers had cancelled. The Mrs had left early that morning on a bus to visit her Dad.

I went onto my laptop to check my email and saw many people on a Thai expat forum talking about an earthquake in Bangkok. As the morning went on, my neighbours started talking about a hotel collapsing and a big wave hitting Aonang. We jumped on our bikes and rode the few minutes to the beachfront to be greeted by the strangest sight - a few longtail boats on the road, lots of sand.

As news of a Tsunami started to spread, we were thankful we lived a few mins drive back from the beach. Not knowing how far the Tsunami had gone inland, I was so worried for the Mrs, and contacting her was not easy as mobile signal was hard to get. Eventually, we connected and she came straight home.

The following day, a group of us rented a speedboat and helped some injured friends off Phi Phi island and on our return to Aonang, heard that help was needed in Phang Nga, so we rented a pickup and drove there immediately.

The hospital was a scene of chaos, we did our best asking injured patients if they needed anything, but there were already many volunteers there.

Realising our help wasn't needed here, we asked one of the rescue workers where we would be more useful...they told us to go to a temple, Wat Yan Yao in Takuapa, near Khao Lak as they had little help there....

On arrival at dusk, the scene was like NOTHING you could ever imagine. Truck after truck coming up the dusty road, all of them indicating to turn into the temple. All of them loaded with dead bodies. We looked on in disbelief, and realising that this is where we needed to be. The smell was indescribable.

A French guy came running out of the temple - through his basic English and our basic French, we understood that he had been co-ordinating things at the temple as there were no police or army assisting until that point.

As the sun was already set and there was no electricity, we decided it would be best to return to Aonang, get some more volunteers, food and clothing and return the next morning. That is what we did for the following few days. Carried bodies of victims young and old between the various areas of the temple: arrival, holding, ID by DVI teams until finally into chilled containers.

To be honest, we were lost, didn't really realise the enormity of what we were doing, but carried on as it just felt right.

20 years have passed but my heart still breaks for all of those whose lives came to an end that day, and half of my heart will always live in Thailand.

We learnt so much during those few days....but most importantly, humans can be amazing when they pull together in the worst of situations x  26/12/2004

[Xonax]

7 hours ago, Funkymover said:

I remember within a couple of hours bars were opening for business and a couple of days later some sick f..kss were selling cd's with the highlights . Any excuse to make money .

So you stopped drinking for good and never watched any news about the tsunami?

[jas007]

I still remember that year. For the Christmas holiday I was either going to go to Phuket or go and visit my father for a few weeks.  For some reason, I decided to go visit my father.  And that's probably the only reason I'm alive today. The hotel I usually stay at, The Tropica Bungalow, was more or less wiped off the face of the earth that day, 

[OneMoreFarang]

On 12/26/2024 at 10:55 AM, Will B Good said:

Lying in bed in the Lek Hotel Pattaya.......8am ish from memory......very gentle sway and thought....there's been an earthquake somewhere.....never thought much about it until the news broke.

Same for me in a moving condominium in a high-rise building in Bangkok. And it took a couple of days, without social media, before the scale of the catastrophe became apparent. 

 

When the tsunami hit Phuket a friend was on a boat from Phuket to Phi Phi island. While he was still on the boat, he didn't notice anything special. But then, when he arrived, that was a big WTF moment.

[OneMoreFarang]

7 hours ago, Funkymover said:

I remember within a couple of hours bars were opening for business and a couple of days later some sick f..kss were selling cd's with the highlights . Any excuse to make money .

 

Do you know that was before everybody used YouTube?  

[Will B Good]

3 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Same for me in a moving condominium in a high-rise building in Bangkok. And it took a couple of days, without social media, before the scale of the catastrophe became apparent. 

 

When the tsunami hit Phuket a friend was on a boat from Phuket to Phi Phi island. While he was still on the boat, he didn't notice anything special. But then, when he arrived, that was a big WTF moment.

 

Flew home three or four later and was puzzled by so many people at the airport with head bandages, broken arms etc. then it twigged.

[connda]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

“The sea receded so far back the beach was dry.

Yep - and all the foreign grade school kids were telling mummy and daddy to high to higher ground.  That is the classic tell that a tsunami is about to hit.

[NotEinstein]

I went to the Similans on that Christmas day to snorkel and spent the night in a tent just off the beach. Luckily I got up early and walked up the trail to the top of the island to see the spine of the  island chain. As I got back down I was greeted by a Thai guy running up and putting his towel on the bushes. I wrote up a description with linked photos for my grandson a couple of years back http://who.thaiholiday.biz/tsunami.htm