Tsunami remembrance ceremonies held in Thai South

PHANG-NGA, Dec 26 (TNA) – People gathered for religious ceremonies in southern provinces to make merits for victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami on Dec 26, 2004, and mark the 13th anniversary of the disaster. Local administrators and villagers conducted the ceremonies at the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park. They also laid wreaths to remember Khun Poom Jensen, the son of Princess Ubolratana, who was killed in the tsunami. Participants would light candles to remember victims at 7pm. Meanwhile, volunteers were cleaning the Ban Bang Maruan tsunami victim cemetery in Takua Pa district and flying flags of 39 nations of tsunami victims. About 300 unidentified bodies were kept there. In Krabi province, local administrators prepare multi-faith ceremonies to make merits for 722 victims and 587 missing people on Phi Phi island. About 500 participants were expected there, including relatives of victims. Wreaths would be laid at an underwater tsunami memorial off Phi Phi island. (TNA)