21 years after the tsunami: commemorations in southern Thailand touch hearts

21 years after the tsunami: commemorations in southern Thailand touch hearts

December 26, 2025 was a day of remembrance and reflection for many people on the Andaman Coast of Thailand. Moving commemorations were held in several provinces, including Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, on the 21st anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami that killed over 5,400 people in 2004. These ceremonies were not only an act of remembrance, but also a way of coming together in which families of victims from 43 nations remembered their loved ones.

In Phuket, mourners gathered at Mai Khao Cemetery to lay flowers and perform religious rituals. Whether in Buddhism, Christianity or Islam, the different faiths found their place in the ceremonies, underlining the diversity of the community and the strength of cohesion. Something similar happened in Ban Nam Khem, where residents and tourists observed a minute's silence to remember those who died. Food was offered here and photos of the deceased were shown to keep the memories alive.

Deeply rooted in history

The tsunami was caused by a magnitude 9.1 earthquake off the coast of Sumatra. This earthquake, considered one of the strongest since 1900, shook the region and resulted in a series of huge waves hitting the shores of Thailand at speeds of up to 800 km/h. This change in geological structures has forever shaped the remembered coastline and continues to teach us about the natural forces that can influence the world. To preserve the powerful lessons of 2004, it is important to address the challenges posed by tsunamis and take appropriate action.

So while the coastal regions have fully recovered, the monuments are important as permanent reminders of this tragedy. On the island of Koh Phi Phi, divers carried wreaths to an underwater monument in Ton Sai Bay in a simple ceremony. This type of commemoration demonstrates the deep-rooted connection to nature and community forged through this horrific experience.

A look forward

The events of 2004 are not only a reminder of the region's vulnerability, but also an impetus to improve tsunami warning systems and disaster preparedness. For example, the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Center (ITEWC) was established in 2007, which monitors seismic and oceanographic data 24/7. Safety measures have improved significantly with early warnings that can be issued within ten minutes of an earthquake. These developments are essential to provide greater resilience and protection to multinational and municipal communities.

The commemoration of the 2004 tsunami remains a central part of our collective memory and shows the importance of learning from the past and better addressing future disasters. Memories of those lost and continued efforts to strengthen communities are the key to a better and safer future.