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'Khun Poom' patrol boat Tor 814
On 31st March 2008, at Phuket Rassada Port, two new patrol boats were officially commissioned to patrol the Andaman waters.
The new patrol boats are Tor 635 and Tor 814.
Tor 814 is named Khun Poom , in memory of Khun Poom Jensen, the son of HRH Princess Ubol Ratana Rajakanya, and will replace patrol boat Tor 813, which remains grounded at Bang Niang as a memorial to the disaster.
Tor 814 Khun Poom will be serving as a patrol boat tasked with ensuring people's safety at sea, especially during the peak tourist season.
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Khun Poom Foundation for autistic children
The Khun Poom Foundation was founded by HRH Princess Ubol Ratana Rajakanya, and is responsible for building new facilities for autistic children.
The official website is www.khunpoom.org
You may also contact Khun Somboon Arsirapoj (a Khun Poom Foundation Committee Memeber) on +66 89 488 5045
Additional information:
Autistic Foundation of Thailand: Tel +66 2 866 7125
Special Education Centre of Autistic Foundation: Tel +66 2 247 4685
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3rd TSUNAMI COMMEMORATION - 26 December 2007
KhaoLak
A small morning memorial ceremony took place at 9.00am at Bang Niang (location of washed ashore police patrol boat Tor 813). There were speeches and flower offerings in remembrance of the tsunami victims.
It marks the formal recognition of the patrol boat as an official tsunami memorial. At the time of the tsunami this police boat was guarding Prince Bhumi Jensen, Khun Poom (son of Princess Ubol Ratana) whilst he was jetskiing off the beach.
The Prince died in the tsunami. (A second (military) patrol boat Tor 215, in the vicinity at the time, and which was also assigned to provide security for Khun Poom, has never been found and is presumed sunk/destroyed).
At the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Monument, from 8.00 am onwards, there was a multi-faith religious ceremony involving Buddhists, Muslims and Christians, a floating boat ceremony by the moken sea gypsies, and a community discussion
on the topic of lessons learnt and problems associated in recovery from the tsunami.
At Bang Muruan (Thai Tsunami Victim Identification Centre and Cemetry), ceromonies began at 1.00pm.
A special service for five religions took place. And on the previous day (25th December) local Burmese gathered to mourn at Wat Ban Muang.
HRH Princess Ubolratana graciously presided over an evening ceremony at Chong Fah beach (Bang Niang). The ceremony and the remembrance were also attended by 22 foreign ambassadors, diplomatic members and representatives from two international organizations.
They all came in respect of those who perished and in support of local people in the Andaman region as well as families and friends of the victims.
The evening ceremony began at 6.00pm starting with Buddhism, Islamic, Christianity (both Protestants and Catholics), and finally Sikhism faiths.
At 7 pm, Princess Ubolratana arrived with her daughter Khun Siri kit-ti-ya to preside over the ceremony.
The Princess and her daughter viewed the exhibition, to remember Khun Poom Jensen, the beloved son of the Princess.
It showed photos, Khun Phoom’s Home, and a project which is being constructed at Wachira Hospital in Phuket, for the education and development of children.
There were also exhibits of Phang Nga province’s emergency preparedness on display.
On-Chanok NaThale, a local student who lost her father in the Tsunami and is now studying at a Rajaprachanukroh school under HM the King’s Patronage read out a poem in Thai.
The song ‘Tears in Heaven’ was then sung by Wasu Sang-singkaew.
A member of the Princess’s club for youth ‘To Be Number One’ then sang ‘Eternal Love’.
The Princess gave a speech in Thai, before lighting a candle and observing one minute of silence.
After that the Princess released the first of 5,395 floating lanterns (one for each victim) up to the sky, as a tribute to those who lost their lives.
The Final song was 'Wind of Hope'.
At Ban NamKhem, the construction of an outdoor museum is about to get underway on a 5 rai plot of land. It will comprise a simulation of the tsunami,
exhibition and information centre. The two fishing trawlers (Chokesiriporn and Srisamut) which were washed ashore in the 2004 tsunami, will form part of the museum, and accordingly
the trawlers will be moved about 200 meters to achieve this. A concrete warning tower will also be built so that visitors can appreciate views around the
museum. The museum is scheduled for completion in 2008.
The Provincial Authority of Phang-Nga is also aiming to acquire land at the location of the washed ashore police patrol boat at Bang Niang. The intent is to
develop the area as an historical site.
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TSUNAMI - Two Years On
KhaoLak
With prayers, flowers and tears, mourners paid tribute to their loved ones on the second anniversary of the tsunami.
Ceremonies were held by both local communities and the Government. Morning services at Bang Niang and Ban NamKhem were timed to coincide with the time that the tsunami hit KhaoLak on that fateful day in 2004.
At the site of the washed ashore police boat, at Bang Niang, Thai and foreign survivors and relatives joined a quiet but poignant service, led by Saktip Kraierk (Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports).
They paid tribute to the victims and observed a minute of silence. Thai police laid incense and flowers. Relatives and friends also lined up to lay flowers on the stage, while a traditional Thai band played soulful music.
Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, who lost her son in the disaster, and who was herself a survivor, presided over a candelight evening ceremony at Bang Niang (Chong Fah beach) organised by the Government of Thailand.
The service commenced with religious rites for Buddhists, Christian Catholics and Protestants, Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus.
After KhunYing Tipawadee Meksuwan (Minister to the Office of Prime Minister) gave an opening speech, Princess Ubolratana gave an emotional tribute to her son and all the lost loved ones who the tsunami took away. There was also an exhibition on the life of her beloved son,
Khun Poom Jensen, and the set up of the Khun Poom Foundation for autistic children (established in January 2005 with the Princess as founder).
Poems of condolence were read by victims' relatives and survivors. Thai student On-cha-nok Natale (who lost her father in the tsunami) read a Thai poem. Khunying Jamnongsi Rattinsing read her own poem in English. Nathan Oman, a Thai Nepalese boy, who nearly lost his life, gave a speech.
After a one minute silence was observed, Princess Ubolratana began the lighting of the candles and the release into the sky of the first of 5,395 lanterns - representing all the tsunami victims in Thailand. The lanterns symbolise a wish for the souls of the departed, a wish for a peaceful and beautiful
journey and a release of the pain and sorrow of their families and friends below.
At Ban NamKhem, a morning ceremony was chaired by Khunying Tipavadee Meksawan from the Prime Minister's office. This fishing village is listed as being the hardest hit, by the tsunami, of any local community and the recovery process has been especially difficult for many Thai survivors here.
The religious ceremony at Ban Bang Maruan cemetery (Ban Muang TakuaPa) for anonymous victims was attended by the Governor of Phang-Nga Vinai Buapradit. Buddhist monks, Muslim clerics and Christian priests took turns blessing the victims, as their individual religions were
also unknown. The national flags of countries that had helped the Royal Thai Police with victim identification, in the aftermath of the tsunami, were raised to the top of the poles at the ceremony. Police cadets paraded past the ceremony in honour of the victims.
Memorial Services at Khao Lak
The Government of Thailand has announced that commemorative ceremonies will be held in Khao Lak on 26 December 2006 to mark the
second anniversary of the Boxing Day 2004 tsunami.
A list of events is shown below. The events are open for anyone affected by the tsunami to attend. Attendees at the
memorial event at Ban Bang Muruan Cemetery, must have photo identification to enter. The Thai Prime Minister and a
member of the Thai Royal Family plan to attend the evening ceremony at Bang Niang.
(A) Tentative – Programme of Memorial Services on 26 December 2006 Phang-nga Province, Thailand
Organised by Local Authorities
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1. Tsunami Victims Memorial Service at Ban Namkhem, Phang-nga Province
(Baan Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park at Laem Pom, 8 km before Takua Pa town)
| 08.30 hrs |
Arrival of guests at Ban Namkhem, Phang-nga Province |
| 09.00 hrs |
Arrival of H.E Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office (TBC) |
| 10.00 hrs |
Speech by Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office |
| 10.15 hrs |
Minute of silence.
Laying of flowers by Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office |
| 10.30 hrs |
Laying of flowers by relatives of victims and participants |
| 10.35 hrs |
Religious memorial services (Buddhism and Christianity)
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2. Tsunami Victims Memorial Service at Tambol khuk khak, Phang-nga Province
(Bang Niang - site of police boat Tor 813 )
| 08.30 hrs |
Arrival of guests at Tambol khuk khak, Phang-nga |
| 09.00 hrs |
Arrival of H.E Dr Suwit Yordmanee, Minister of Tourism and Sport (TBC)
Minute of silence
Laying of flowers by Minister of Tourism and Sports, relatives of victims and participants
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3. Tsunami Victims Memorial Service at Ban Bang Maruan Anonymous Cemetery
(Ban Bang Maruan is close to the centre of Takuapa town)
| 12.30 hrs |
Arrival of guests at Ban Maruan Anonymous Cemetery |
| 13.30 hrs |
Arrival of Pol Gen Kovit Wattana, Commissioner-General, Royal Thai Police |
| 13.35 hrs |
Ceremonial Activities |
| 13.45 hrs |
Speech by Commissioner-General, Royal Thai Police and presentation of plaques |
| 14.10 hrs |
Laying of flowers by Commissioner-General, Royal Thai Police, relatives of victims and participants |
| 14.20 hrs |
Event closes |
(B) Tentative - Programme of the 2nd Tsunami Commemorative Ceremony
at Chong Fah Beach, (Bang Niang, Khao Lak), Phang-nga Province
Evening of 26 December 2006
Organised by the Royal Thai Government
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The 2nd Tsunami Commemorative Ceremony at Chong Fah Beach, Phang-nga Province
| 17.00 hrs |
Arrival of guests |
| 18.00 hrs |
Arrival of Prime Minister / representatives of the Royal Thai Government
Interfaith memorial services, approximately 5 minutes for each
Buddhism, Islam, Christianity (Roman Catholic and Protestant), Sikhism and Hinduism
Poetry reading |
| 18.45 hrs |
Arrival of Princess Ubol Ratana
Speech by Princess Ubol Ratana
Lighting of candle by Princess Ubol Ratana
Minute of silence
Lighting of candles by participants and floating of candles
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| 19.35 hrs |
End of ceremony |
Phuket - Tsunami Day 26th December 2006
To mark the second anniversary of the tsunami tragedy, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Phuket Provincial Administration Office and Patong Municipality will jointly host ceremonies
on 26 December to remember and honour those who fell victim to the December 2004 tsunami.
Programme
| Morning | Tsunami Day Memorial Services |
| 09.30 | Visitors and guests assemble at Loma Park, Patong Beach |
| 09.45 | Address by Chief of Patong Municipality |
| 09.50 | Tsunami Day memorial service
Guests remember and honour those who lost their lives in a merit-making ceremony. |
| 10.00 | A Buddhist merit-making and blessing ritual is performed by nine monks. |
| 10.20 | Participants make merit-making offerings to the monks. |
| 10.30 | The Buddhist monks offer blessings. |
| Evening | |
| 18.00 | Visitors and guests assemble at Loma Park, Patong Beach
Welcome Ceremony |
| 18.10 | Arrival of H.E. Dr. Suvit Yodmani, Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Chief Executive of the Phuket Provincial Administration Office (PAO) presents a welcome address |
| 18.15 | Address by the Minister of Tourism and Sports |
| 18.20 | Performance by the Ban Sam Thong School choir |
| 18.30 | Wreath-laying and Candle-Lighting Ceremony
H.E. Dr. Suvit Yodmani, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Chief Executive of the Phuket Provincial Administration Office and Chief of Patong Municipality will lead guests in a remembrance ceremony.
Flowers and floral wreaths will be laid, candles will be lit and traditional khome loi floating lanterns will be released in memory of the deceased. |
| | End of Tsunami Day memorial ceremonies |
Contact information:
TAT Southern Region 4
Tel: +66 (0) 76 212213, (0) 76 211036
Tel: +66 (0) 2 2505500
Fax: +66 (0) 76 213582
E-mail: tatphket@tat.or.th
Tsunami memorial services at Kamala, Phuket
This event has been organised by the Phuket Japanese Association. It will be held at the Andaman Tsunami Victims Monument at Kamala Beach on Tuesday 26th December 2006, from 12:40 pm to 4 pm. Formal dress is requested for attendees.
The ceremony schedule is as follows:
| 12:40 pm-1:20 pm: |
Guest registration. |
| 1:20 pm: |
Mourning ceremony, a minute of silence for the victims. |
| 1:35 pm: |
Speech by Kazushi Miyashita, President of the Phuket Japanese Association. |
| 1:40 pm: |
Speech and eulogy from Phuket Governor Niran Kalayanamit. Eulogy from Hideaki Kobayashi, the Japanese Ambassador to Thailand. Eulogy from Tetsuji Banno, President of the Japan Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok. Eulogy from Panlop Thi-aree, of the World Fellowship of Buddhists.
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| 2 pm-2:35 pm: |
Japanese monk blessing ceremony. |
| 2:50 pm-4 pm: |
Finale and refreshments. |
Tsunami Wall of Remembrance - Mai Khao, Phuket
The Wall of Remembrance has recently been renovated, and painted in white with attached names of the victims and flags from 45 nations on the wall.
In the morning, of 26th Decemeber 2006, there will be a religious ceremony with chanting from the monks. They will receive relatives of the
victims who will be coming to pay respect and place wreaths, on the 2nd anniversary of the tsunami.
The Mai Khao cemetery used to be the central identification area for bodies of the victims, before the remainder of the unidentified bodies were later moved to Ban Bang Maruan cemetery (close to the
town of TakuaPa).
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International Tsunami Museum - Khao Lak
On 21st December 2006, an international tsunami museum opened in KhaoLak. The museum is open daily and is situated opposite the 7-eleven at the Petchkasem/Bang Niang Rd intersection.
This quiet location introduces visitors, in a subtle and ethical way, to the tragic events of 26 December 2004.
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Tsunami children's images
Child’s View - A boy with a rope looped around one leg dangles upside down over the side of the washed up police patrol boat 813 in Bang Niang Village Khao Lak.
The photographer was Kapkaew Leebamrung, an 11-year-old girl in Grade 6 from Baan Nai Rai Village, who was participating in a Unicef project.
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12-year-old Wongsakorn Songsaengchan chose to photograph a traditional funeral mound
42 victims from his indigenous Moken community were buried here.
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The Book "Children of the Tsunami: Khao Lak - A Story of Hope" (Hardcover 100 pages)
This book is about how the children (many of whom were orphaned by the Tsunami) coped with their loss.
It is a beautiful and sometimes heart wrenching collection of stories, poems, and pictures by the children of Khao Lak, illustrating how they are dealing with their loss and grief.
It is also a story of hope, humanity and triumph over despair.
The material for the book was compiled by the students of Bangkok Patana School, the British International School in Thailand.
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This project is a charity venture and is the creation and product of the hard work of over 100 amazing children.
All profits from the sale of "The Children of the Tsunami" will go back to the education and schooling of the children in Khao Lak and the tsunami affected regions of Thailand.
Publisher: Sirivatana Interprint Public Co., Ltd
Language: English (Hardcover - 12 Nov 2005)
Author: Robin Nagy and Children of the Tsunami Ltd.
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On 24th December 2005, over 1,000 Moken Sea Gypsies, Thai villagers and tourists held the first ceremony, remembering the victims of last year's tsunami, at Bang Niang beach, KhaoLak.
A colourful bird-shaped boat containing flowers, incense, candles, tobacco, salt, chilli and trimmings of human nails and hair was released into the sea in accordance with the Moken belief that all evil and bad luck will float away from their lives and community along with the boat.
Buddhist monks prayed for the souls of the dead. This was part of a three day people's commemoration organised by a village leader of nearby Baan Thungwa.
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Tsunami Remembrance Ceremony 26th December 2005
One Year in Memory of the Tsunami
Several thousand Thais, and foreign survivors and relatives of those who lost their lives held a minute of silence as they marked the first anniversary of the tsunami disaster.
At Bang Niang, hundreds lined up to sign books of remembrance in the shadow of the washed up police patrol boat, (which now stands as a memorial to the catastrophe) 1 km inland.
The day long government sponsored memorial had followed a weekend of smaller services including candelight vigils, simple prayers and floral tributes.
In the afternoon Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra laid a foundation stone for a tsunami memorial in Khao Lak.
There was an orchestral musical performance and at dusk the Prime Minister presided over an inter-faith service, when Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh prayers were read. In a speech he said he had learnt from the tsunami "the fact that much beauty
lies in the heart of mankind", in a reference to the outpouring of help from around the world.
Two young survivors of the tsunami - 11-year-old Tilly Smith from England and 10-year-old Thai Patiwat Komkla - read a poem, part in English and part in Thai, entitled Tsunami.
"... It wasn't devastation or death that won the day
It was humanity that triumphed
The shining victory of generosity, courage and love ..."
Tilly Smith was on Mai Khao beach Phuket on 26th December 2004. As the sea initially receded quite dramatically, she immediately recognised the tell tale sign of an approaching tsunami. She had remembered the words of her geography teacher, Andrew Kearney, at Danes Hill school in
Oxshott, Surrey (40km south west of London). Her adamant and persistent warnings of impending danger are credited to saving one hundred lives.
Patiwat Komkla survived two days and one night at sea after being swept from the shore by the tsunami.
Thai Princess Ubol Ratana Rajakanya, who lost her son Poom in the disaster, represented the tsunami victim's next of kin, and thanked foreign visitors for their "love and support and caring - our souls are with them".
There was a further one minute of silence, followed by a musical performance ("the wind of hope"). Then candles were lit and 5,000 paper lanterns, with inscribed messages in remembrance of tsunami victims, were released into the night sky, in an emotional tribute, with scores of people weeping and holding candles, hugging loved ones, or standing quietly on the beach gazing at the soaring lanterns.
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Tsunami Remembrance Ceremony Information
In memory and honor of victims we lost, to celebrate life for those who survived, and in gratitude of the generosity and sympathy extended to Thailand in the aftermath of the tsunami, the Royal Thai Government will host a commemorative ceremony on 26th December 2005. Next-of-kin of victims/missing persons and the injured are cordially invited to attend the interfaith memorial service
and the Laying of the Tsunami Memorial Foundation Stone Ceremony in remembrance of the lost souls. Many of the injured and next of kin will stay as guests of the Thai government.
Between 10.00am - 11.00am on 26th December 2005, simultaneous memorial ceremonies will take place at six venues:
- Bang Niang Beach (Khaolak) and Baan Namkem (between Khaolak and Takuapa)
- Phi Phi Islands (Krabi province)
- Patong Beach, Kamala Beach and Mai Khao Memorial Wall (Phuket).
The Tsunami Memorial Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony will take place at Haad Lek Beach (small beach), KhaoLak-Lamru National Park. This is a very small cove on the headland just south of the Park HQ.
This event will be presided over by the Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at between 3.30pm and 5.00pm (VIPs and next-of-kin only). Five finalist memorial designs, submitted by Thais and foreigners will be presented.
The Prime Minister will lay a foundation stone. HRH Princess Ubol Ratana Rajakanya will be an honored guest and will deliver an address. There will be a musical performance and a poetry reading by children.
The Inter-faith open memorial service (Buddhism, Christianity (Roman Catholic & Protestant), Islam, Sikhism and Hinduism) will take place at 18.00 hrs at Chong Fah Beach (Bang Niang, Khaolak)
About 1,700 foreign guests and 5,000 Thais are expected to join these events. In addition fifty national leaders and other international personalities, including former US president Bill Clinton, are expected to attend.
Tourism and sports (eg. an international food festival, an international fireworks competition, world tennis competition including stars such as Serena Williams & Lindsay Davenport, cross year marathon, and Tour of Siam 2006 international bike race) are highlights of the second part of the commemoration, from 27th December 2005 to 3rd January 2006, in which Phuket will feature largely.
The world's biggest cartoon book "Hope after Tsunami Disaster" will also be produced.
Please follow the links below for additional information and the tentative program of events:
Thai Government Public Relations Department
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Phuket remembers
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Tsunami Memorial design competition
The deadline for registration for the Tsunami Memorial design competition was 15th November 2005, and the deadline for submission of designs was 6th December 2005.
Designs were submitted from 379 individuals and teams, from 43 countries.
The names of the top five design team countries, which were announced on 15th December 2005 at Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort, are Australia, China, Finland, Spain and USA.
Each of the five teams received one million baht for making it into the final of the design competition.
A conference was held from 21st January to 24th January to further discuss the memorial project, and any amendments by the finalists had to be submitted to the international panel of judges by 2nd May 2006.
On 18th May 2006, the results were officially announced. A Spanish based team, in collaboration with Phuket based Naga Concepts (Thailand) Co. Ltd was the winner with their design "Mountains of Remembrance".
They will receive the contract from the Thai government to work on the memorial itself. The winning design will be showcased in an exhibition in Bangkok from 1st to 15th June 2006.
The Spanish-Thai design was chosen over entries from four other finalists, from Finland (runners up), Australia, USA and China. The jury made their decision after considering feedback from visitors to the Architect '06 exhibition in Bangkok in May, and from local people surveyed at Takuapa District office.
The winning design is intended to represent "a temple hidden in forest, light, nature and silence". It will recreate an artificial piece of nature, integrated into the Khao Lak Lamru National Park. The scheme combines references from several cultures and religions, and provides an iconic landmark and place
of reflection for the families of victims and survivors of the tsunami disaster as well as for the general public.
A path through the forest, with meeting points and resting areas, will lead to the memorial site and then to the sea. At the highest point, five towers will be erected in a cluster:-
the Memorial tower (for reflection and meditation), the Museum tower (with a lookout platform), the Warning Centre (for education), the Amphitheatre tower (for presentations), and the Restaurant and Shop tower (for relaxation).
The project is now in the assessment process regarding its impact on the environment, and modifications to the blueprint may be made to minimise impact.
On 25th December 2006, the Ministry of Culture postponed the start of the construction of the Tsunami Monument, until a full environmental impact assessment
has been carried out.
Please click on this link for the Tsunami Memorial design competition .
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Small Tsunami Memorial Park at Laem Pom ( Baan Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park )
The fishing village of Baan Nam Khem is just a few kilometers north of Bangsak beach, and 7 kms south of Takuapa.
The village lost proportionally the most of its inhabitants in the tsunami of any village in Thailand.
Just south of the village is the tiny enclave of Laem Pom. It now has a small local tsunami memorial park.
The Baan Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park covers five rai (two acres), and was initiated by Army Chief of Staff General Lertrat Ratanavanich, who coordinated with local and international organizations in seeking financial support for the project.
It was constructed by the Army Engineer Department. Work began on 22nd June 2005 and was completed on 25th December 2005.
The Ban Nam Khem Memorial Park consists of a memorial walkway, an open space for commemorative events,
and a pavilion to appreciate the scenery. There are two buildings, one for showing places of interest and
the other for selling local products. Two walls were built along the memorial walkway. One is engraved with the
names of those killed in the tsunami, and the other wall features wave-like curves in black.
A statue of Kromluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, the founding father of the Royal Thai Navy, is placed in the park.
Also referred to as Prince Abhakorn of Chumphon, or the Prince of Chumphon, Kromluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak was a son of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V. He was educated at the Naval Academy in the United Kingdom and
served as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy. His statue has been erected in several coastal provinces, and it is most revered by the people of Thailand, and especially by mariners.
Sadly however despite the ravages of the tsunami, it has been reported that a long-running bitter land rights dispute still continues between the local villagers of Laem Pom and a well-connected Thai developer.
All of the buildings here were destroyed or severely damaged in the tsunami, and most were rebuilt in 2006, but unfortunately the issue is apparently still not resolved.
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On 4th April 2005, in keeping with the Buddhist tradition of releasing the spirit of the deceased 100 days after death, many memorial ceremonies were held across the country, including Khaolak. In actual fact, a three day memorial was organized with the final day coinciding with the 100th day.
During the ceremony on the final day, a minute of silence was observed at the time the first wave struck on December 26. Each person present then released a white balloon with a white paper tail - a representation of the human spirit.
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