Today marks the 12th anniversary of one of the biggest natural disasters in history.
On this day 12 days ago, 226,000 people were killed when a 9.15 magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean.
Thailand, Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka were among the worst hit countries.
Around 5,395 people were killed in Thailand alone, and among them, about 2,000 foreign tourists.
Communities in the six tsunami-hit provinces, Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Ranong, Satun and Trang, are hosting commemorative activities this week in memory of those who died
Locals will be encouraged to join evacuation drills and educational activities so they are prepared in case another disaster struck.
According to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, evacuation drills have been held annually on December 26 in the six provinces which remain at risk of tsunamis.
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Thailand’s tsunami warning system has been criticised by many who claim it still remains inadequate because it isn’t maintained properly.
However, the government insists that it is in good order.
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A disaster official said more than 100 warning towers had been set up along the eastern and western coasts of Thailand.
Since the tsunami, police say more than 400 bodies remain unidentified.
Anand Boonkerkaew, deputy superintendent of Takua Pa district police in Phang Nga province, said: ‘Authorities have contacted between 4,000 to 5,000 relatives to come and receive bodies. There are about 400 bodies that we cannot identify.’
Despite the devastation from the tsunami though, Thailand’s tourist industry has picked up after new hotels replaced those flattened by the wall of water.
Thailand expects a record 32.4 million foreign tourists in the new year.
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