Phuket memorial services for victims of 2004 tsunami

Thursday, December 24, 2009

A Letter from Thailand's Prime Minister will be read on December 26 before Phuket marks the moment when the tsunami struck five years earlier. At precisely 10.10am, after Phuket Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob reads the letter, there will be one minute's silence on Patong beach.

Almost certainly, as has been the case at previous tsunami commemorations, a few tourists in bikinis and surfwear will wander past, incongruous and yet extremely appropriate. This is, after all, the rebuilt Loma Park, which fronts the popular sands of Patong. Visitors have come to Phuket to enjoy their holidays, to have fun. Life, back to normal, continues as before.

For some, the tsunami may already be a distant memory. For others, it will never be forgotten. But after the fifth anniversary, Phuket and the Andaman coast will probably become less reflective. For many years to come, the big wave will be remembered. But the potency and the pain of the moment and the memory will be reduced with time.

This year, the fifth anniversary, will bring 500,000 monks onto the streets throughout Thailand, and 1000 of those will gather in the early morning in Takuapa, the coastal capital of Phang Nga north of Phuket, and the largest town in the area where the majority of the 5395 victims perished.

That evening, 2552 sky lanterns will be released in Khao Lak. Ambassadors from several countries, including Sweden, Norway, Finland and the Netherlands, are expected to attend the ceremonies in Phang Nga. Usually the most touching place for remembering the tsunami in Thailand is at the village of Nam Khem, where more than 800 people died, and where as many as 12 members of at least one family were wiped out.

Life moves on, regardless of setbacks and tragedies. At last year's memorial service, there were mothers still mourning young children, cradling precious photographs gently, but with toddlers on their hips.