World | Other World Stories
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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