In Mai Khao, community leaders, officials and residents gathered from 8:30am at the Mai Khao Tsunami Memorial Cemetery in Moo 5, Thalang. The ceremony, organised by the Education, Religion and Culture Division of Mai Khao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor), was presided over by Chief Justice of the Phuket Administrative Court, Boonchu Chanwong, with Mai Khao Deputy Chief Prajak Khunthan delivering the opening report.
The remembrance featured religious rituals from Buddhists, Christians and Muslims, symbolising unity and respect across faiths. Wreaths and flowers were placed at the memorial wall, including tributes representing 44 countries whose nationals were among those lost.
Officials stressed that while the ceremony honoured those who died, it also served as a reminder of the profound lessons learned from the tragedy, which caused immense loss of life, property damage and emotional trauma across six Andaman coastal provinces. Senior officials, Region 8 Police representatives, village leaders, the Mai Khao Senior Citizens Club, students, residents and media representatives attended.
PATONG
In Patong, one of the areas in Phuket heavily affected in 2004, Patong Municipality held an evening remembrance on Bangla Rd at 4pm, led by Mayor Lalita Maneesri. Municipal executives, councillors, government officials, private sector representatives, residents and tourists joined the tribute.
Mayor Lalita said the ceremony was held to remember victims, support affected families and strengthen public awareness of disaster readiness, while promoting cooperation between government, private and community sectors to build confidence in tourist safety.
Participants observed a minute of silence before laying white flowers and lighting candles in remembrance. Respect was also paid in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother for her compassion and support to affected communities following the disaster.
PHANG NGA
In neighbouring Phang Nga, north of Phuket, where thousands died in the disaster, especially in the tourist beach area of Khao Lak, large crowds gathered to remember the deceased and missing.
At the Baan Nam Khem Tsunami Museum, Phang Nga Provincial Culture Officer Uraiwan Daengngam led officials, residents and tourists in a flower-laying ceremony and moment of silence.
She said the commemoration aimed to preserve memory, educate younger generations and strengthen public awareness of disaster preparedness, noting the museum remains an important centre of learning and community resilience.
A major remembrance was also held at the Tsunami Memorial in Baan Nam Khem, organised by Bang Muang OrBorTor in cooperation with Takua Pa District Office, the Phang Nga Provincial Administrative Organisation and the Tsunami Victims’ Network.
Takua Pa District Chief Damrong Chimthap presided over the ceremony, which included multi-faith religious rites and floral tributes. Families brought photographs, offerings and flowers, while foreign visitors also joined to pay respects.
Bang Muang OrBorTor Secretary Aniwat Chairatthanachok said annual commemorations continue to reinforce disaster awareness and preparedness, even as affected communities have long rebuilt.
Local voices also reflected ongoing concerns and resilience. Nam Khem resident Prathan Laylak, 64, called for stronger, faster tsunami warning systems, wider evacuation routes and continuous drills, particularly to protect vulnerable groups.
Khao Lak tourism business operator Jirapha Lertkulthan said confidence has improved thanks to better knowledge, evacuation training and warning apps, but emphasised the need for authorities to maintain equipment and conduct regular system tests.
The 2004 tsunami remains Thailand’s most devastating natural disaster, claiming thousands of lives, leaving many missing and causing widespread destruction across Phuket, Phang Nga and other Andaman provinces. Twenty-one years on, remembrance ceremonies continue to unite communities in grief, reflection and commitment to preparedness for the future.