20 Years After the Tsunami: Thailand Reflects on Lessons for Future Disaster Resilience
General His Serene Highness Prince Chalermsuk Yugala graces “Remembering the 20th Year of the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami in Thailand, Reflections for Advancing Disaster Management through Higher Education-Industry Partnerships” Forum at AIT
The 2004 tsunami remains one of the most devastating natural disasters in global history and is deeply etched into Thailand’s collective memory. Triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake in the Indian Ocean, the massive tsunami waves devastated the Andaman coastline of Thailand and several countries in Southeast Asia. This disaster caused widespread destruction and claimed countless lives, including both Thai citizens and foreign nationals. In Thailand, the provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga, and, Trang, Ranong, and Satun were the hardest hit.
Four years after the tragedy, in 2008, the Asian Institute of Technology launched the Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, and Management Program (DPMM) to foster interdisciplinary knowledge, enhance expertise, and equip professionals with the necessary skills for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and management.
Today, the world is witnessing rapid and diverse changes spanning across technology, environment, economy, and society. Among these challenges, climate change has intensified global warming, triggering a rise in frequency and severity of natural disasters including storms, floods, wildfires, and tsunamis. These challenges underscore the urgent need for all sectors to prioritize environmental preservation to mitigate long-term impacts locally, regionally, and global.
Marking the near 20th anniversary of the tsunami in Thailand, the DPMM program organized a workshop and special lecture at AIT titled “20 Years of the Tsunami: Reflecting on the Past to Shape Thailand’s Disaster Management” on 27 November 2024. His Serene Highness Prince Chalermsak Yugala, graced the event and delivered a keynote speech on “The mission of the Chemical Department Royal Thai Army in the 2004 Earthquake and Tsunami in Thailand.”
His Highness was welcomed on campus by AIT President, Professor Pai-Chi Li and senior officials. During the visit, he reviewed exhibitions showcasing disaster management innovations, including a workshop by the DPMM program led by Associate Professor Indrajit Pal.
His Serene Highness, shared insights into the Royal Thai Army Science Department’s 29-day disaster relief mission following the 2024 tsunami. He detailed the department’s primary efforts, which included spraying microorganisms to neutralize odors and sterilize contaminated areas such as burial sites, roads, drainage systems, restrooms, and forensic identification centers. These measures were critical to preventing disease outbreaks in high-risk zones, particularly in hubs for identifying victims.
Given the high number of fatalities, personnel worked tirelessly around the clock to manage the remains and ensure their safe return to families. Safety protocols were strictly enforced, including disinfection of individuals and equipment, such as stretchers and vehicles, to prevent contamination. Special focus was given to Khao Lak in Takua Pa District, Phang Nga Province, one of the hardest-hit areas.
The mission earned international recognition for the Royal Thai Army Science Department’s efficiency in managing the remains of numerous victims under immense time pressure. Their innovative use of biological agents for decontamination and sterilization showcased the department’s disaster management expertise.
“The knowledge gained from these operations has since been applied by various agencies in disaster preparedness, mitigation and management,” His Serene Highness noted. “This expertise has also been adapted for counter-terrorism and biological warfare scenarios further underscoring its significance.”
The event also featured distinguished speakers:
- Dr. Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, former Director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science and the head of the 2004 tsunami victim identification team, shared her insights on forensic identification in disaster scenarios.
- Lt. Gen. Dr. Pramote Imwatana, former Director of the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences and former Secretary-General of the ASEAN Center for Military Medicine, delivered a lecture on “Forensic Identification and Managing the Deceased.”
- Ms. Arunsawadi Bhuridadtpong, a Ph.D. candidate in the DPMM Program, shared her knowledge on “Burial System Management and Volunteer Work” based on her firsthand experiences.
- Associate Professor Tavida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok and Former Advisor to the Pacific Disaster Center USA of Bangkok and Mr. Maitree Jongkraijug, Manager of the Chumchon Thai Foundation, talked about “The Wave That Changed Lives.”
AIT Professor Pennung Warnitchai, Founding Director of Earthquake Research Center of Thailand (EARTH), delivered a keynote lecture titled “Navigating Tsunamis: Preparing for Tomorrow’s Waves.”
To conclude the workshop, Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology delivered a vote of thanks and highlighted the Asian Institute and Technology’s ongoing support for advancing disaster management through technological research and capacity development of various sectors.
The workshop reviewed and consolidated disaster management knowledge, creating a foundation for designing and planning future disaster preparedness strategies. It emphasized the integration of academic knowledge to elevate operational practices and capacity to handle disasters amidst the growing challenges of global climate change. In addition, on the day of the workshop the DPMM program has launched a forum on Higher Education and Industry Partnership for Climate Resilience (HEIP-CR), to facilitate a discourse on climate change-induced challenges faced by Thailand’s industrial sectors and provide a platform for education-industry engagement to develop and implement sustainable and resilient solutions.
Asian Institute of Technology, สถาบันเทคโนโลยีแห่งเอเชีย, AIT
