Asian Tsunami

On the 26th December 2004 disaster struck Thailand's west coast from the resulting Asian Tsunami of an undersea earthquake that occurred in the Indian Ocean. It was one of the largest earthquake's reported with a magnitude of 9.3 and one of the worst natural disasters in history, with it generating the worst single Tsunami in history resulting in well over 200 000 victims in Asia, many people still registered as missing, and the post Tsunami problems of homelessness and disease.

Many victims were lost in Indonesia, the country most effected by this tragic disaster but Thailand did not escape and over 5000 lives were lost when the Asian Tsunami struck the heavily populated tourists spots of Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, and being high season many foreign holiday makers and Thais working in the service industry were victims. The Asian Tsunami brought massive relief efforts from the rest of the world shocked by this natural disaster.

Areas of Thailand affected by the Asian Tsunami

The Asian Tsunami was devastating to Thailand not just through the sheer force of the disaster but because it hit four of the main tourism areas, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Phang Nga during peak season. Though there has been a vast amount of humanitarian relief aid invested in Thailand and rebuilding these areas the economy of these areas that survive because of the tourist money in the high season has been effected badly, and Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Phang Nga have been undergoing significant rebuilding work to make these areas fully operational holiday locations again.

Though much of the rebuilding work is completed in Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi, Phang Nga is still lagging behind and may take a little longer to fully repair. Tourist’s numbers dropped dramatically after the Asian Tsunami through fear of another disaster but they are starting to come back now to the relief of the locals and Thailand hope's that next years high season will be business as usual. Thailand's authorities urge foreign tourists to come back to these areas to help improve the economic situation for many of the people that work and rely on the tourism and service industry for their income.

Phuket

The Asian Tsunami struck Phuket's East coast with some force and it is an area significantly affected by the disaster, mainly the heavily tourist populated beaches of Patong and Kamala Beach. There has been a concentrated relief effort to rebuild Phuket and it is open and welcoming tourists again now.

Krabi

Krabi province is one of Thailand's most visited tourist regions and includes Koh Phi Phi which was destroyed by the Asian Tsunami being a particularly vulnerable island. Other affected areas were the islands of Koh Lanta and Koh Jum, and two very popular tourist spots, Railay Beach and Ao Nang. Krabi's main beaches Railay and Ao Nang have been rebuilt and are open for business and tourism again now.

Phang Nga

Phang Nga was one of the most affected areas of Thailand by the Asian Tsunami and had the most victims. Only 16% of hotels remained open for business in Phang Nga after the Asian Tsunami and most of the resorts in Khao Lak were destroyed and a massive rebuilding project is taking place there now. It is expected to be several months before Phang Nga can be fully operational for tourism again.