In memory of the 2004 Khao Lak Tsunami, 20 years later…
As we approach the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, we take a moment to pause, reflect, and honour the memory of the thousands of lives lost in one of the most devastating natural disasters in modern history. The events of that day forever changed countless communities, leaving a lasting impact on the world.
This anniversary is not only a time to remember the tragedy but also to pay tribute to the courage, compassion, and resilience shown by the communities. From the heroic efforts of the volunteers to the enduring strength of survivors and those who rebuilt, we commemorate their stories and the unbreakable bonds of humanity that arose during times of profound loss.
Khao Lak, a coastal gem of Thailand, is beloved for its stunning beaches and peaceful atmosphere. Yet, beneath this beauty lies a tragic chapter in its history. Khao Lak was one of the hardest-hit areas during the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, also called “Boxing Day Tsunami”. Today, Khao Lak has rebuilt and regained its vibrancy while memories of the Khao Lak Tsunami remain woven into its story, making it a destination of beauty and resilience.
2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
On the morning of December 26, 2004 ( 7:59 am local time), a massive 9.1-magnitude undersea Indian Ocean Earthquake struck with an epicentre off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia. This catastrophic event unleashed a series of powerful waves of up to 30 meters with the speed of a jet plane(500mph), across the Indian Ocean. These massive waves ravaged coastlines across 14 countries, becoming one of the deadliest disasters in modern history. Indonesia was the worst affected. Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand also suffered significant losses, with the waves reaching as far as the eastern coast of Africa. In total, over 230,000 people lost their lives, and millions more were displaced.
In Thailand, the tsunami struck six coastal provinces: Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Ranong, Satun, and Trang, causing over 5,000 casualties in Thailand, including both locals and tourists who were enjoying their holidays during the peak tourist season. The unofficial death toll may have reached up to ten thousand due to the high number of undocumented Burmese migrant workers.
Province | Death | Injured | Missing | |||||||
| Thai | Foreign | Unknown | Total | Thai | Foreign | Total | Thai | Foreign | Total | |
| Krabi | 317 | 191 | 185 | 693 | 808 | 568 | 1,376 | 383 | 393 | 776 |
| Phang Nga | 1,096 | 934 | 2,156 | 4,186 | 4,344 | 1,253 | 5,597 | 1,161 | 324 | 1,953 |
| Phuket | 149 | 111 | 0 | 260 | 591 | 520 | 1,111 | 261 | 385 | 646 |
| Ranong | 157 | 2 | 0 | 159 | 215 | 31 | 246 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| Satun | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 15 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Trang | 3 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 92 | 20 | 112 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 1,728 | 1,240 | 2,340 | 5,309 | 6,065 | 2,392 | 8,457 | 2,268 | 1,102 | 3,370 |
Phang Nga, province of Khao Lak, accounted for over 4,000 deaths, making it the deadliest area in the country.
Khao Lak Tsunami
On the morning of December 26th, 2004, just like any other morning, Khao Lak was basking in bright sunlight after Christmas. Residents and tourists were going about their day, enjoying the sunshine and morning swim when, around 8:00 am, they felt a mild earthquake for about two minutes. About two hours later, they witnessed something unusual – the ocean began to retreat dramatically from the shore, far beyond the low-tide mark, revealing the seabed. Beachgoers had no idea and explored the exposed seabed, unaware of the impending tsunami.
Suddenly, it transformed into several gigantic waves up to 4m -14m that surged toward the shore with terrifying speed, destroying everything in the path. The waves travelled as far as two kilometres inland, reaching the foot of the surrounding mountains. For over an hour, Khao Lak was submerged under these relentless waves. When the water finally began to recede, it left behind a trail of unimaginable destruction.
For a clearer picture, Thai Navy patrol boat number 813 which was anchored off the coast while guarding the grandson of King Bhumibol, ended up 1.2km inland, in Bang Niang, where it remains today as a memorial of the Khao Lak Tsunami. Sadly, the 21-year-old prince, who was jet-skiing at that time, was among the thousands of lives lost that day.
It was not until days later, that people learned the Khao Lak Tsunami originated from the Indian Ocean Earthquake.
Khao Lak before the Tsunami
Before the tragedy, Khao Lak was a hidden gem in Thailand’s tourism scene, loved for its untouched beaches, vibrant coral reefs, clear waters, and lush national parks. The town was home to small, family-run resorts, local restaurants, and unspoiled natural surroundings that offered a genuine escape, far from the crowds of Thailand’s more famous spots.
Aftermath
In the immediate aftermath of the Khao Lak tsunami, Khao Lak was unrecognizable in ruins. The waves swept everything in the way mercilessly. 80% of the coastal facilities suffered serious damage. The tragedy deeply affected survivors, locals, and visitors, forever changing their lives. However, through hope and healing, the collective efforts of citizens, local organisations, and volunteers brought the town back to life and strengthened its spirit, making Khao Lak a symbol of resilience and determination.
Khao Lak’s Journey of Recovery and Reflection
Several INGOs, UNDP, IOM, Thai NGOs and Myanmar community-based organizations have helped tsunami survivors under a coalition called the Tsunami Action Group (TAG). Even a year later, there were still over 250 organisations supporting the Khao Lak communities, among which the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) stood out by focusing on Burmese migrant workers, who were often marginalised and neglected by the government during the relief efforts. Khao Lak has undergone a remarkable transformation in the years following the tsunami. The town has been rebuilt from the ground up, with new infrastructure, hotels, and businesses rising from the ruins.
Two decades after the Khao Lak Tsunami, Khao Lak today is once again a thriving tourist destination. However, Khao Lak has not forgotten the tragedy that befell it. The memory of the Khao Lak Tsunami is honoured through Tsunami memorials and museums, ensuring that the lessons of that tragic day are learned. There are 3 Tsunami shelters, each in Pakarang, Bang Niang and Bang Sak, strategically located in elevated areas, away from the coast, and designed to provide refuge in the event of a tsunami. The coloured flags on the beach are used as safety signals and help keep beachgoers safe.
🟩 Green flag = Safe to swim
🟨 Yellow Flag = Caution advised
🟥 Red Flag = Dangerous conditions.
The town is also home to several Tsunami memorial sites dedicated to the memory of the tsunami victims. Every year on December 26, ceremonies are held to honour the lives lost from the Khao Lak Tsunami.
Final thoughts
The 2004 Khao Lak Tsunami was a tragedy of unimaginable scale, but it also revealed the power of hope and resilience. As you explore Khao Lak’s serene destination, take a moment to remember the past, honour the lives lost, and appreciate the incredible journey of recovery that has shaped Khao Lak’s beauty today. In Khao Lak, the waves of tragedy have given way to a tide of hope and renewal.
