Thaksin Shinawatra Reflects on Tsunami Response: Lessons in Resilience and Coordination

BANGKOK -- As the world reflects on the tragic events of December 26, 2004, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has shared his firsthand experiences managing Thailand's response to one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in recent history: the Indian Ocean tsunami. Two decades later, the memory of the devastation remains vivid, particularly in the provinces of Phuket and Phang Nga, where thousands lost their lives, and countless more were affected. In an interview with Matichon Group, Thaksin recounted the moment he learned of the tsunami while campaigning in Khon Kaen. "I'll admit I didn't even know what a tsunami was at that time," he said, underscoring the shock that many experienced in the early hours following the disaster. Upon arriving in Phuket, he quickly recognized the severity of the situation and took decisive action. One of Thaksin's key insights during this crisis was the need for effective coordination among various government ministries, which, at the time, operated in isolation. He took on the responsibility of leading the response effort, assigning specific ministers to oversee relief operations in the most affected areas. This approach proved critical in ensuring that aid flowed to where it was needed most efficiently. Thaksin articulated three primary priorities that guided the immediate response to the tsunami. First, he emphasized the importance of reuniting survivors with their families, facilitating travel for those who had lost vital identification documents. Second, medical assistance was a top concern. Thaksin directed the transfer of the injured to Bangkok when local hospitals were overwhelmed. Finally, he highlighted the challenge of recovering and identifying the thousands of missing individuals, a task that weighed heavily on the nation. An intriguing aspect of Thaksin's response was his decision to turn away financial aid from around the globe. "I didn't want Thailand to be seen asking for money," he explained. Instead, he welcomed technical assistance, fostering a collaborative international environment that garnered respect and support from other nations, including India, which followed Thailand's lead in a similar approach. Amidst the turmoil, personal moments marked the depths of the crisis. Thaksin recalled the urgency he felt upon learning that Khun Poom Jensen, a member of the Thai royal family, was missing. This realization added a layer of complexity to the response, as the nation grappled not just with the general aftermath but also the heightened concern for a royal family member. As the recovery phase unfolded, Thaksin faced significant challenges, particularly in restoring basic services like electricity and communication. Within a month, temporary systems were established, and the government began to implement long-term recovery plans, including soft loans for affected businesses and investments in infrastructure. Remarkably, by the end of the year, many aspects of normalcy had returned, though the tourism sector felt the lingering effects of the disaster. Reflecting on the evolving landscape of natural disasters, Thaksin expressed concern about current environmental challenges. He noted the alarming rise of phenomena such as "rain bombs," which have intensified rainfall in certain areas, leading to unprecedented flooding. Thaksin underscored the importance of preparedness and hinted at the potential for artificial intelligence to play a role in predicting and managing future climate-related crises. As Thailand commemorates the 20th anniversary of the tsunami, Thaksin's insights serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and adaptability required in the face of disaster, as well as the critical need for coordination, both domestically and internationally, in managing such crises. The lessons learned from that fateful day continue to shape the nation's approach to disaster management and recovery, emphasizing that while nature's fury is beyond our control, our response can be optimized through collaboration and innovation.