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Some shun elaborate events
Some Thais shunned Monday's elaborate ceremonies marking the first anniversary of the tsunami, saying the rites were expensive, inappropriate events designed to attract tourists.
- AP
- Published: 00:00 December 27, 2005
Phuket: Some Thais shunned Monday's elaborate ceremonies marking the first anniversary of the tsunami, saying the rites were expensive, inappropriate events designed to attract tourists.
"The government is organising a jolly celebration party, not a memorial service, not a peaceful merit-making. The government does not think of the hearts and minds of the people who lost their beloved ones," said Nantaya Saphanthong, a representative of the all-but-obliterated Ban Nam Khem village.
Nantaya said many in the fishing community are refusing to take part in government-organised activities at a nearby beach, and will instead hold their own quiet Buddhist service.
The official events have all been subcontracted to GMM Grammy Public Company Ltd., a giant in the Thai entertainment sector with close business and personal ties to Thaksin's government.
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