27th December 2005, posted by SWD
more photos of the remembrance day www.saltwater-dreaming.com/gallery
[i]On the 26th of December 2005, many areas in Thailand stopped for a few minutes of silence in memory of those who were lost in the giant tsunami waves 1 year ago. One of the major memorials was in Patong where approximately 2000 people gathered for an emotional remembrance of there loved ones.[/i]On the 26th of December 2005, many areas in Thailand stopped for a few minutes of silence in memory of those who were lost in the giant tsunami waves 1 year ago. One of the major memorials was in Patong where approximately 2000 people gathered for an emotional remembrance of there loved ones. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra attended the ceremonies in Kamala and Patong, altogether there were 6 official memorial ceremonies in southern Thailand.
At Loma park on Patong’s foreshores people signed remembrance books which were placed around the park and laid wreaths and white roses at the base of a remembrance shrine. The most emotional moment was at a ceremony held at the precise time the killer waves came ashore 1 year ago.
On the northern end of the island at Mai Khao beach approximately 500 people gathered at the wall of remembrance. Many who accepted the government’s offer of free lodging laid wreaths and wept for the people who had died.
Over 8,000 people were lost from the tsunami which devastated six provinces in southern Thailand, half of those who were lost were tourists from 38 different countries. In Phang Nga province alone 5,880 deaths occured. Phang Nga is province where Khao Lak is located an area of pristine beaches and luxury hotels.
“All who were in the region one year ago have stories of triumph and great sadness, the luckiest of us will never know the anguish and horror of losing a loved one, feeling your child being torn from your arms by the killer wave, an orphaned child, or a family still searching for their, son, daughter, brother, wife. The tsunami remebrance day was for all who were lost and those who remain behind and may we never forget”