Underneath Khao Lak’s tranquil beaches and lush landscapes lies a tragic chapter of loss and recovery. The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami left a permanent mark on the town that forever changed the area and the people. These memories are preserved in various Tsunami memorials serving as reminders of the tragedy, honouring the lives lost and the resilience of those who rebuilt. As the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Tsunami approaches, it is a moment to pause and reflect on this significant chapter in history. This post will guide you on a journey through these important sites, where memory and history come together.
813 Tsunami Memorial Park in Bang Niang
Location: 813 Tsunami Memorial Park is located in Bang Niang ( 5 min drive from Khao Lak centre). On the right before the Bang Niang traffic light, you will see the monument sign at the entrance to the park.
From the entrance, walk down the street and after the small bridge, you’ll first witness the police boat 813 from afar. If you continue along the street, you will see a unique and haunting Tsunami memorial sculpture created in memory of the lives lost during the tsunami. This abstract artwork symbolizes the waves and the people who were caught in them, creating a space for contemplation and reflection.
Police Boat T813
Police boat 813 at the Tsunami Memorial Park in Bang Niang
One of the most iconic memorials is Thai Navy patrol boat 813, which was carried 2 kilometres inland by the tsunami. The boat was on duty protecting the royal family when the tsunami hit, but now it rests on dry land in the tsunami memorial park, Bang Niang, remarkably still intact with little damage. It stands as a powerful reminder of the strength of the tsunami’s forces. Over time, the boat has become a symbol of resilience and is a central piece of Khao Lak’s tsunami memorial sites.
The site is free to visit and open daily to the public from 8:30 AM to 6 PM.
Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park
Location: Nam Khem is a small fishing village located north of Bang Sak Area, about 26.8 km away from Khao Lak centre. Going there is a bit of a journey. You can easily take a taxi there or if you want to go by yourself, after passing Bang Sak Beach, continue for around 6 km, then take a left at the yellow highway police station. From there, drive for 3km more until you see the Pullman Khao Lak Resort sign, and then make a right turn to reach the park.
On the coast, the Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park is a peaceful large area designed for visitors to reflect on the tragedy of the Tsunami. This memorial park features a Golden seated Buddha statue and a large wall with plaques of Tsunami victims’ names. A nearby small museum offers more insight into the local impact of the tsunami and the community’s recovery.
Opening Hours: It is free entry and opens from 8 AM to 8 PM every day.
Nam Khem Tsunami Museum
Nam Khem Tsunami Museum Cinema
Nam Khem Tsunami Museum Artefacts
Nam Khem Tsunami Museum remnants
Nam Khem Tsunami Museum Boat
Nam Khem Tsunami Museum is the latest addition to the 2004 Tsunami memorials. It’s an ideal destination for anyone looking to learn about this tragic event. The museum serves as an important educational site, providing visitors of all ages with deep insights into the 2004 tsunami. Its well-curated exhibits, including personal artefacts and photographs, allow for a comprehensive understanding of the tragedy while promoting awareness of disaster preparedness. It also highlights the efforts made by international and local aid organizations in the recovery process.
Location: It’s just 1.3 km from the Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park, making it convenient to visit both locations in a single day and maximize your experience.
Opening Hours: open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Close on Monday and Tuesday.
Entrance Fee: Despite the facilities, it is free entry, emphasizing its role as a public service dedicated to education and remembrance.
Tsunami Cemetery
The tsunami cemetery, located in Bang Muang, is where many unidentified victims of the disaster were laid to rest. The cemetery is a stark reminder of the large number of lives lost in the tragedy and the enduring impact it had on the region. The site is already worn out but remains as a place of respect and remembrance.
Navy Boat 215 in Lam Kaen
In the Lam Kaen area, just in the vicinity of the Sea Turtle Conservation Center is another Navy Police patrol boat 215 washed inland by the tsunami. Like Police Boat 813, this boat serves as a stark symbol of the power of the waves and the devastation that caused. It is less well-known and preserved but equally important in the collective memory of the disaster, offering another perspective on how far the waves reached.
Location: Navy Boat 215 is located in Lam Kaen about 14km, south of Khao Lak Center. It is situated in the Thaplamu Navy Base. You might need to take your passport to show when you pass through the gate.
Opening Hours: The site is free of charge and opens every day.
Conclusion
The Tsunami memorials and sites across Khao Lak serve as powerful reminders of the 2004 tsunami and the lives it claimed. Rising from tragedy, these sites stand as tributes to the victims, symbolizing the resilience and strength of the Khao Lak community. Visiting these memorials offers the visitors a moment to reflect, adding a meaningful layer to your trip to Khao Lak and deep insight into the area’s history and its journey of healing.
