“The ripples changed our lives”: health in post‐tsunami Thailand

Abstract

Purpose

The December 2004 tsunami was one of the largest natural disasters in the recent history of Southeast Asia. This paper aims to unfold the experiences of tsunami victims in a highly affected region of Thailand and to examine their post‐tsunami health.

Design/methodology/approach

Ethnographic fieldwork was carried out in Khao Lak and Thi Muang, two major tsunami affected towns in southern Thailand in May 2007. Detailed informal interviews and participant observation were employed to obtain narratives of tsunami victims.

Findings

The research reveals that the health of the tsunami survivors has deteriorated, and that they are still experiencing psychological suffering two and a half years after the tsunami.

Research limitations/implications

The long‐term health condition and care should be prioritized in post‐disaster management.

Originality/value

This paper argues that inner healing, which is not usually considered a priority in the development discourse, is essential to relieve the mental pain of tsunami survivors and to aid their post‐disaster recovery. It highlights that culturally pertinent inner healing is invaluable.

Citation

Moniruzzaman, M. (2010), "“The ripples changed our lives”: health in post‐tsunami Thailand", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 333-344. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653561011052501