Remembering the 2004 Phuket Tsunami: A Tragic Turning Point On December 26, 2004, a catastrophic tsunami struck Phuket, transforming the sunny island into a scene of devastation. Triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake, the disaster claimed thousands of lives and left an indelible mark on Thailand and its people. Survivors recall the anguish of that fateful day, while memorials and events continue to honor the victims. Key sites include the Wall of Remembrance in Mai Khao, where multi-faith pray

On December 26, 2004, Thailand was hit by a devastating tsunami caused by a massive 9.1–9.3 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The quake triggered powerful waves that struck Thailand’s western coastline, including Phuket and Khao Lak. Thousands of lives were lost, and coastal communities were destroyed. Over 230,000 people across affected countries died, with Thailand suffering significant casualties and damage in one of the deadliest disasters ever recorded. | History In

In 2004, a large earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered the largest tsunami in recorded history. One of the countries hit by the tsunami was Sri Lanka, where the wave caused one of the worst train disasters in human history when it hit the Queen of the Sea passenger line, which was carrying 1,500 passengers along Sri Lanka's west coast. Watch Destruction Decoded on Wednesdays at 8pm on National Geographic UK. | National Geographic UK

The tourists who flock to Phuket today would have no idea of the horrors that unfolded here two decades ago. But for those who lived through the tsunami, the memories remain vivid. We spoke with survivors, who shared their stories of helping others during the disaster and rebuilding their lives in its aftermath. “Tsunami: Stories of Survival” is an in-depth documentary produced by ABC’s Asia Pacific Newsroom. Filmed across Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India, this documentary captures unto