Phang-nga to hold 10th Tsunami anniversary memorial events

Phang-nga to hold 10th Tsunami anniversary memorial events

PHUKET: -- As the catastrophic tsunami that hit Thailand western coast on 26 December 2004 will turn the 10th anniversary this month, hardest-hit Phan-nga province by the deadly tidal waves is prepared to hold memorial events to mark the anniversary, and tell the world how much improvements authorities have done on security and the devastated shores in the effort to attract tourists back to visit with confidence.

The organisation of the memorial events which include religious ceremony to make merits for those whose lives were perished on December 26 will be jointly held by the government.

In the prelude to the memorial events, the governor of Phang-nga Mr Prayoon Rattanaseni yesterday led high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to observe the sites and preparations for the events.

The anniversary will be marked by two events to be held at the Police Boat 813 Memorial and at Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park during 24-27 December 2014.

The governor said the Foreign Ministry realized that memorial events would help recover the confidence of overseas visitors on Thailand’s capabilities to deal with natural disasters.

He said that Thailand, as a popular tourist destination, must show to the world it has the necessary precaution systems and management skills to reduce risks of natural disasters.

The memorial event at Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park will include a storytelling about the tragic attack of the Tsunami, a seminar on the impacts on Tsunami victims and cultural shows.

At the Police Boat 813 Memorial, memorial service will be held to remember those who died in the tsunami such as wreath laying and VDO presentation on the improvement of areas affected by the 2004 Tsunami as well as a candle-lit ceremony.

But highlight of the memorial events will be on 26 December at 4.30-7.00 p.m. when religious ceremonies will be held, and top ranking government representative will preside over to mourn the deaths, and lit candles.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/phang-nga-hold-10th-tsunami-anniversary-memorial-events


-- Thai PBS 2014-12-03