Hundreds commemorate tsunami fourth anniversary in Thailand



HUNDREDS of people have gathered in Thailand to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami.

Ceremonies along the south-west coast have seen floating lanterns and wreaths placed in the ocean.

Three events were held in Phangnga province, one of five seaside provinces that were hit by the deadly wave along with the island of Phuket in December 2004.

"In the morning we mainly gathered to place wreaths and show respect to those who lost their lives," said governor Yiamsuriya Palusuk, adding that lanterns will be floated in the air following evening religious ceremonies.

"Hundreds of Thais and foreigners participated," he said.

In Phuket, around 1000 residents and tourists gathered on the main Patong beach, with three other events held elsewhere on the island.

Thousands of candles were to be lit and placed in coconut shells along a three-kilometre stretch of Kamala beach, south of Patong, in a ceremony attended by Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, a provincial official said.

In Ranong province, 500 people participated in a Buddhist ceremony, offering alms to monks, laying wreaths and observing one minute's silence, officials said.

They also released 159 sea turtles and planted the same number of trees representing the number of the dead in the province.

An estimated 5400 people were killed in Thailand alone by the 2004 tsunami, half of them foreign holidaymakers.

A total of 220,000 people in a dozen countries were killed by the tsunami, which was triggered by an undersea earthquake that struck off Indonesia.

Since then, Thailand has installed a high-tech warning system designed to reassure tourists and businesses that the country's beaches are safe.

News.com.au