20 Years After Indian Ocean Tsunami, Survivor Reflects on Tragedy and Resilience

Frank Wetzig, who lost his parents in the 2004 tsunami, recounts his harrowing escape and the rebuilding efforts in Thailand's Khao Lak region.

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake, claimed over 230,000 lives across multiple countries, including 5,400 in Thailand.
German expatriate Frank Wetzig narrowly survived the disaster in Khao Lak, Thailand, but lost his parents and all of his belongings in the devastating waves.
Wetzig recalls the terrifying moments of being trapped underwater, his near-death experience, and the black sediment-filled water that engulfed the region.
In the aftermath, Wetzig rebuilt his life in Thailand, founding a hotel and contributing to improved tsunami preparedness, including evacuation routes and warning systems.
Memorials and annual ceremonies continue to honor the victims, with survivors like Wetzig holding personal tributes to remember loved ones lost in the disaster.