The event, held at the Mai Khao Cemetery, started at 8:30am and featured its traditional multi-faith ceremony, recognising Buddhist, Muslim and Christian practices.
The ‘Wall of Remembrance’ in Mai Khao was originally the traditional site for more official events commemorating, but over the years has fallen from the limelight, with officials now favouring other venues for observing tsunami remembrance services.
The site was originally chosen as it was where the Thailand Tsunami Victims Identification (TTVI) unit was set up.
Even the wall ‒ which has spaces allocated to honour victims from 45 countries, including Thailand ‒ has now fallen into dilapidation. Not even a fresh coat of paint was applied to mark the 20th anniversary of the disaster.
The event yesterday was not even led by Sarawut Srisakukam, Chief of the Mai Khao Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor).
Instead, he delegated the responsibility to his Deputy Chief, Wasawat Hongsa-uphasakul.
Other officials present included Wuttisak Singhakala, Secretary to the Mr Sarawut; Prajak Khuntan, Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) at Mai Khao OrBorTor; and Parin Chansari, Advisor to Mr Sarawut; and Hamina Leesen, Acting Director of the Mai Khao OrBorTor Education Division
Local village headmen, Mai Khao OrBorTor staff and residents also participated in the commemoration.
Attendees laid wreaths and flowers. Only a handful of foreigners attended the ceremony, most notably a small family from the UK.
“This day is a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of human unity in the face of tragedy,” said Deputy Mayor Wasawat during the ceremony.
The event concluded with participants reflecting on the lessons learned from the disaster and reaffirming their commitment to disaster preparedness and community support, said an official report of the event.