Washed inland by the incredible force of the 26 December 2004 tsunami, Police Patrol Boat Number 813 now sits isolated in a rural community in Bang Niang, Khao Lak in Thailand. Welcome to the Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial Park where you will learn about the devasting impact of the tsunami of December 2004 as well as explore the site where the police boat now rests.
With an epicenter off the west coast of Northern Sumatra in Indonesia, a devasting earthquake struck in the Indian Ocean, triggering a tsunami that raced across the ocean towards Thailand and other countries. Waves as high as 30 meters swept inland. At the time, Police Patrol Boat Number 813 was patrolling the ocean off Khao Lak to protect Her Royal Highness Ubonrat Rajakanya Siriwaddhana Phannawaddee. Her Royal Highness was staying at the La Flora Resort in Khao Lak with her daughters when the Andaman Sea started to retreat. Her son, the grandson of the King, was jet-skiing in the sea of Khao Lak at the time the tsunami hit. Unfortunately, over 4,000 locals, including the grandson of the King, and tourists lost their lives on that day.
The Tsunami Memorial in Khao Lak is a powerful and sobering place that commemorates the lives lost on that day, one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history. Police Patrol Boat 813 was carried two kilometers inland by the force of the waves and now rests where the waves dropped it. The memorial serves not only as a site of remembrance but also as a stark reminder of the immense force of nature and the lasting impact it had on local communities and visitors alike.
The most striking feature of the memorial, and the one that you will notice first when you arrive, is Police Boat 813. Seeing such a large steel boat resting on dry land, surrounded by trees and buildings, immediately conveys the sheer power of the waves.
Information panels around Police Boat 813 explain the events of that day in detail, including timelines, wave heights and personal stories from survivors. These displays help visitors understand not just what happened but how suddenly life changed for thousands of people in southern Thailand. Photographs taken in the aftermath of the tsunami show widespread destruction across Khao Lak, particularly along the beachfront areas that were popular with international tourists.
Adjacent to the boat is the official tsunami memorial park, a quiet space designed for reflection. Stone markers list the names of victims, and plaques honor both Thai nationals and foreign visitors who lost their lives. The memorial also acknowledges rescue workers, volunteers and international aid teams who assisted in the recovery effort. Walking through the site is a moving experience, often accompanied by a sense of silence and respect among visitors. The memorial is shaped like a wave, with the height of the memorial designed to match the height of the wave that swept inland. I felt rather small while standing under the concrete structure, imagining just how powerful and frightening the wave must have been.
For travelers, visiting the Tsunami Memorial adds important context to a stay in Khao Lak. The region today is known for its calm beaches, resorts and natural beauty, yet the memorial ensures that the tsunami of December 2004 is not forgotten. It is a place that encourages reflection rather than sightseeing and visitors are advised to behave respectfully.
The memorial is easy to reach by car or taxi from central Khao Lak. You could possibly even walk from your Khao Lak Hotel. There is no entrance fee to visit the Tsunami Memorial though donations are welcome. I spent well over an hour at the site, taking time to reflect on the strength of the wave that carried such a large boat that tremendous distance inland, as well as wandering around the boat and to the memorial shaped like a wave. The memorial was very quiet when I was there with only a few other travelers visiting the site.
The Tsunami Memorial in Khao Lak is not just a historical stop but a meaningful reminder of resilience, loss and remembrance. It provides depth for any visit to the area and honors the memory of those whose lives were forever changed by the sea. Do yourself a favor and take some time out from your beach vacation to Khao Lak to visit this fascinating local memorial.
Find the Police Boat 813 Tsunami Memorial on Google Maps.
When I visited the area, I had specific requirements when I was choosing between hotels in Khao Lak. I wanted to stay at a resort that is right on the beach, and I wanted a resort that is within walking distance to the restaurants, night life and massages places. Finally, I wanted a resort that is quiet and peaceful. I eventually settled on the Ramada Resort by Wyndham, Khao Lak. I was very pleased with my resort selection and would choose to stay there again when I visit Khao Lak.
Consider reading about our visit: Ramada Resort by Wyndham Khao Lak: Sun, Sand, Sea and Serenity
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Consider reading other posts on Thailand by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited in May 2025)