Thailand Marks Two Decades Since the Indian Ocean Tsunami

Bangkok, Dec 26 (NationPress) Commemorations took place throughout Thailand on its Andaman coast on Thursday to honor the 20th anniversary of the catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami.

During a memorial event in the southern province of Phang-Nga, Deputy Interior Minister Sabida Thaiseth emphasized the advancements made in the country's disaster management and preparedness since the 2004 tsunami, while paying homage to the countless lives lost in the disaster.

Over the last twenty years, Thailand has bolstered its disaster management systems and frameworks in line with international standards, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing resilience and mitigating disaster risks for its citizens and the broader region, Sabida stated.

The gathering highlighted the Southeast Asian nation's dedication to promoting international collaboration and increasing public awareness regarding disaster preparedness. It also provided a platform for various stakeholders to share knowledge and strengthen resilience against future disasters, she noted.

"The Thai government is steadfast in its commitment to improve disaster management systems, ensuring the safety of our communities and contributing to both regional and global security," the official remarked, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

The Indian Ocean tsunami, initiated by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake near the coast of Sumatra on December 26, 2004, resulted in approximately 230,000 fatalities across Southeast Asia and South Asia.

In Thailand, the tsunami affected six provinces along the Andaman coast, leading to more than 8,000 individuals reported dead or missing. The disaster inflicted extensive short- and long-term damage to infrastructure, the economy, society, and the environment.

Meanwhile, residents of Indonesia's Aceh province in northern Sumatra also honored their loved ones on Thursday, who perished in the 2004 tsunami.

The sound of a siren in Takengon town marked the remembrance of the tragedy. "Let us unite in prayer, remembering our brothers and sisters who fell victim to the tsunami two decades ago," stated Safrizal, Acting Governor of Aceh.

He mentioned that the Aceh tsunami siren, which is sounded every December 26 during the memorial, serves as a reminder to enhance public awareness about disaster preparedness.

In the provincial capital Banda Aceh, residents gathered at mass graves, laid flowers, and prayed for their loved ones lost to the massive waves during the tsunami.

"I believe that my family members who went missing are buried here. I hope they are resting peacefully," expressed Maya, a local visiting the mass graves in Ulee Lheue village.