Tsunami Anniversary Brings Back Sad Memories To Thailand

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SAD BOXING DAY

Tsunami anniversary brings back sad memories

By The Nation

People gathered in six tsunami-hit provinces yesterday to remember those who lost their lives in tidal waves six years ago.

In Krabi, more than 300 people attended an event held to mark the anniversary of The tsunami disaster on Phi Phi Island.

Buddhist, Islamic and Christian rites were held in dedication to the victims. The tsunami killed up to 700 people on Phi Phi alone.

Tambon Ao Nang Administrative Organisation chairman Phankham Kittithorakun said the event was organised to remember those who passed away and also to make people aware of how to react in events when emergencies arise.

"Proper response will minimise losses," he said.

In Phang Nga, about 500 people attended the event held to mark the tsunami, observing a silence of one minute in front of The tsunami Monument at Ban Nam Khem.

Many mourners still looked very sad.

"I can't forget what happened. I lost so many relatives to the tsunami," Anan Duangsai said, holding pictures of nine family members.

At another commemorative event in Takua Pa district, some 300 people showed up but very few foreigners were seen.

In Phuket, commemorative events were held at various spots. In front of the Laem Petch monastery, people gave alms to 130 monks in memory of the victims.

In the province's Thalang district, religious rites were conducted at the Mai Khao Cemetery where disaster-victim identification once took place. Flags of 39 countries hang on a commemorative wall there, as foreign tourists were among tsunami victims.

However, just three Germans showed up to place flower garlands in front of the wall during the ceremony yesterday.

At another commemorative event in Takua Pa district, some 300 people showed up but again only a few foreigners were seen.

On Kamala Beach, the Tambon Kamala Administrative Organisation, in collaboration with the Japan-Phuket Association, brought in nine Japanese monks to pray for those who died in the tsunami.

A large number of Japanese tourists were killed when the tidal waves swept across the beach in late 2004.

Japanese ambassador Kojima Seiji was present at yesterday's ceremony.

In the evening, people lit candles and placed them on Patong Beach to mourn the deaths of tsunami victims.

In Ranong, just over 100 people attended the ceremonies that marked The tsunami incident.

"Locals are now more responsive when they hear earthquake warnings," a woman said.

Ranong disaster-prevention-and-mitigation chief Chasant Kongruang said an early warning system was now in place. "Even if tidal waves hit again, [heavy] loss should be avoidable," he said.

In two other tsunami-hit provinces of Trang and Satun, commemorative events were held but with little fanfare.

-- The Nation 2010-12-27