813 Tsunami Memorial Park in Bang Niang

The 813 Tsunami Memorial Park in Bang Niang is one of Khao Lak’s most important reminders of the tragic events of the Indian Ocean Tsunami on December 26, 2004. This memorial site is dedicated to the lives lost in the tsunami, as well as to the resilience of the survivors. It offers visitors a space for reflection and remembrance. 

Visiting Information

Hours: The 813 Tsunami Memorial Park is open to visitors every day from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Admission: The site is free of charge, making it accessible to all who wish to learn more about the tsunami.

How to Get There: The memorial is located just 2 km (5-min drive) from Khao Lak Center, making it an easy stop. From Highway 4, visitors will find the monument sign “813” at the entrance, right before the Bang Niang traffic light. As you walk down the street from the entrance, you’ll cross a small bridge and begin to see the centrepiece of the memorial site, Police Boat 813.   

Thai Navy Patrol Boat 813

The Thai Navy Patrol Boat 813 stands as one of the most iconic symbols of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Built in 1994 and operated under the Marine Police Bureau, Patrol Boat 813 was stationed offshore in Khao Lak on the morning of the tsunami, tasked with the duty of protecting the royal family. Her Royal Highness Ubolratana Rajakanya Siriwattana Phannawaddee was staying at La Flora Resort with her daughters, while her son, Bhumi Jensen, the beloved grandson of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was jet-skiing when the tsunami struck. It is unimaginable that this 60-ton boat was dragged around 2 kilometres inland by the powerful tsunami waves, to where it rests now on dry land in Bang Niang, preserved as a solemn memorial. Tragically, the 21-year-old prince was among the thousands of victims who lost their lives in the disaster. Today, the boat serves as a reminder of the tsunami’s power and destruction. 

Tsunami Memorial Sculpture Building

Further along the path from Police Boat 813 is a haunting yet beautiful memorial sculpture. The flowing design of the sculpture reflects the natural force of the waves and the people who were caught in them, creating a space for contemplation and reflection.

Conclusion

The 813 Tsunami Memorial Park is more than just a site to remember a tragic event—it is a place that speaks to the resilience of Khao Lak’s people and the journey of healing that has taken place since the 2004 tsunami.

Visiting the memorials not only provides insight into the disaster itself but also offers an opportunity for reflection on the area’s recovery. It is an essential part of any visit to Khao Lak, giving tourists a meaningful connection to the region’s history. 

If you’d like to learn more about the memorial sites and their significance, click here.