Some shun elaborate events

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.