The ceremony commenced at 7.10pm in the area of Patong's Loma Park, with Phuket Governor Chamroen Thipayapongthada preciding over the annual “Disaster Prevention” ceremony.
Taking part in the ceremony were representatives from Patong Municipality, the Phuket Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DPM) Regional Centre, friends and family of victims, survivors, as well as members of the public and private sectors.
The ceremony was opened with the reading of condolences from the Prime Minister, and followed by religious rites and a flower laying ceremony to honour those who were lost in the disaster 11 years ago.
Mr Sirisak Sakulroratcha, chief of the DPM Phuket office explained that December 26 was officially marked as “National Disaster Prevention Day” by decree of a Cabinet Resolution made on June 14, 2005.
“On that day [December 26, 2004], the country experienced its biggest natural disaster [in recent history] in which much loss of life and resources was experienced domestically and internationally,” he said.
“After consideration, Phuket province saw this as an important opportunity to campaign for the public to increase awareness and preparedness for disasters, for communities to be able to react and know how to evacuate from a disaster, be it natural or caused by humans,” MR Sirisak concluded.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kepsub said “The December 26, 2004 Tsunami gravely impacted six coastal provinces along the Andaman Sea, and Patong was of the communities struck... But apart from all the tragedy and sadness, we also witnessed some good things from this event – that is the caring, kindness and togetherness that came in the recovery process, from state angencies, foundations and various other organisations, domestic and international.
“Their efforts enabled Phuket to recover strong and rapidly. This annual ceremony is thus held for the public and various organisations to remember those who were lost from this disaster and to build a stronger awareness and culture among the public, society and communities,” Mayor Chalermluck concluded.