Two Decades After 2004 Tsunami: Thailand Strengthens Disaster Preparedness

Thailand commemorates 20 years since the devastating 2004 tsunami, focusing on enhanced disaster management and climate resilience.

Reflecting on the 2004 Tsunami

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, caused by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake, severely impacted Thailand’s Andaman coastline. Provinces like Phuket, Phang Nga, Trang, Ranong, and Satun faced massive destruction and loss of life, including many foreign nationals.

Four years later, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) introduced the Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, and Management (DPMM) Program in 2008. This program aims to develop disaster response expertise and foster interdisciplinary knowledge to tackle similar challenges effectively.

Climate Challenges and Rising Risks

Rapid climate change has intensified natural disasters worldwide, including storms, floods, wildfires, and tsunamis. Global warming’s effects highlight the urgent need for collective action to preserve the environment and address these risks on both local and international scales.

20-Year Reflection Event

On 27 November 2024, AIT hosted the event “20 Years of the Tsunami: Reflecting on the Past to Shape Thailand’s Disaster Management.” His Serene Highness Prince Chalermsuk Yugala, who served during the 2004 disaster, delivered a keynote address on the Royal Thai Army Chemical Department’s 29-day relief mission.

Prince Chalermsuk outlined efforts to sterilise burial sites, roads, drainage systems, and forensic identification centres, preventing disease outbreaks. Personnel implemented strict safety protocols, focusing particularly on Khao Lak in Phang Nga Province, one of the worst-affected areas.

The Royal Thai Army’s innovative approach to decontamination and efficient management of remains earned international recognition, setting a benchmark for disaster response. These methods have since been applied to counter-terrorism and biological warfare strategies.

Expert Perspectives

The event included insights from disaster management professionals:

• Dr. Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan shared her experience leading tsunami victim identification efforts.
• Lt. Gen. Dr. Pramote Imwatana discussed managing deceased victims and forensic identification.
• Ms. Arunsawadi Bhuridadtpong highlighted burial system management and volunteer work based on her fieldwork.
• Associate Professor Tavida Kamolvej and Mr. Maitree Jongkraijug reflected on the tsunami’s life-changing impact.
• AIT Professor Pennung Warnitchai discussed preparedness for future tsunamis.

Advancing Resilience

The event showcased innovations in disaster management, led by AIT’s DPMM program. Professor Sangam Shrestha thanked participants and reaffirmed AIT’s commitment to integrating research and academic knowledge into disaster management practices.

AIT also launched the Higher Education and Industry Partnership for Climate Resilience (HEIP-CR) forum. This initiative aims to address climate-related challenges and promote collaboration between academia and industry to develop sustainable solutions.