As Thailand marks the 20th anniversary of the devastating tsunami that struck Southeast Asia, the trauma of that day still echoes through the lives of survivors.
On Dec. 26, 2004, a magnitude 9.1 earthquake off the coast of Indonesia triggered one of the deadliest tsunamis in history.
Waves up to 30 meters high swept across coastal regions, claiming the lives of nearly 230,000 people across 14 countries, with Thailand among the hardest hit.
In Phang Nga Province on the Andaman coast, the popular tourist town of Khao Lak bore the brunt of the destruction, and the lives of thousands were changed forever.
The impact of the disaster was immediate and overwhelming. Entire villages were destroyed, and about 5,400 people in Thailand alone lost their lives, including both Thai citizens and foreign tourists.
The tragedy also displaced over 1.7 million people in the affected countries, particularly in Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India.
Today, life in Phang Nga has been rebuilt, with bustling tourist destinations and thriving businesses.
Bars and restaurants overlooking the sea now stand where the waves once struck, a reminder that the area has bounced back but not without scars—the view, once an idyllic feature of the coastline, is now a symbol of resilience.
However, for many survivors, the trauma is far from gone.
“Memories of the tsunami still linger in the landscape and the hearts of the survivors,” said Fr. Francis Assisi Chainarong Ritsarnpitak, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church, not far from Khao Lak.
He added, “Along the coast, signs marking evacuation routes and tsunami shelters serve as reminders of the peril that once struck. Though essential for preparedness, tsunami evacuation drills can trigger painful memories for those who lived through the catastrophe.”
In the years since the disaster, memorials and museums in Thailand have told the story of that day, preserving the history and honoring the victims.
“For some, the scars are still raw, as the trauma of such a widespread disaster does not fade quickly,” remarked Fr. Ritsarnpitak. “However, there is hope that education and preparedness can help prevent future devastation.”
Fr. Francis Assisi further remarked to LiCAS News, “Efforts to support victims continue, including the establishment of the Diocese of Surat Thani Catholic Foundation for Social Development Center (DISAC), which provides ongoing assistance to tsunami survivors, migrant workers, and vulnerable groups.”
He added that the Church of Our Lady of Grace, built soon after the tsunami hit, offers pastoral care and promotes inter-religious dialogue among people of different faiths.
As Thailand commemorates the lives lost and the resilience displayed in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, efforts continue globally to strengthen community preparedness.
Initiatives focused on education, resilience-building, and the implementation of early warning systems aim to mitigate the impact of future disasters.
