Thailand Plans Tsunami Disaster Museum

Thailand plans tsunami disaster museum

BANGKOK: -- Plans have been announced to build a museum in Phang-Nga province to commemorate the devastation inflicted on the Andaman coast by the December 26 tsunami.

The regional rehabilitation committee said on Friday international architects will be called on to submit designs for the museum, which is to be located in the hard-hit Khaolak-Lamru national park area.

Rehabilitation committee chairman, Suwat Liptapanlop, said the museum would be built on 100-300 rai (16-48 hectares) of land, either public or donated by the private sector. No land would be bought for the project.

There would be an exhibition to educate the public about the disaster; the tsunami's impact on local residents and the environment; as well as measures to prevent another such calamity.

A ceremony to commemorate those who lost their lives in the disaster will be held annually at the museum on December 26.

Mr. Suwat said the rehabilitation of the Andaman coastal area would be complete on October 1st when the high season starts,

Cabinet has approved a budget of about 1.1 billion baht for 33 restoration projects.

-- TNA 2005-03-05