I was aware of the tears of those sitting on either side of me.  The Governor, Deputy Governor and I were then asked to make the traditional rice offering to the Buddhist monks. A great honour.  This was followed by an extremely sincere and touching address given by the Governor, mostly in Thai, but he ended in English, with the words “We shall not forget”.

The Governor of Krabi

A procession took place to a tsunami memorial tree where flowers and a symbolic commemoration sculpture  were laid.  A minute’s silence marked the end of the ceremony.  The event was attended by thousands. 

One may wonder why, after 2 years.  Last year was perhaps a more obvious occasion.  However, many tourists as well as Thais who were on Phi Phi on the day of the tsunami have spoken to me since and told me they could not face returning after one year, but were ready to do so after two years.  They received much comfort from the commemoration event., as indeed, I did.

Muslims preparing to pray

Marquee with Chinese

The Governor of Krabi