Former Aussie cop’s epic run across Thailand for tsunami victims

A former forensic cop from Australia is gearing up for his biggest physical challenge yet—a gruelling 1,400-kilometre run across Thailand in December.

Dubbed “Run to Remember,” this endurance test marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, which claimed 230,000 lives worldwide, including 5,400 in Thailand.

Starting on December 1, charity Hands Across the Water founder Peter Baines will run from Yasothon to Khao Lak, the site devastated by the disaster, arriving on December 26, exactly 20 years after the tragedy. His goal is to raise a whopping 25 million baht for the charity which helps Thai children impacted by the tsunami.

The funds will support education centres, including one focused on training students for Thailand’s tourism sector. Baines recalls his time identifying victims after the tsunami.

“When I arrived, the scene was unimaginable.”

His experience in the aftermath fuelled his mission to help the children left behind. Since founding the charity in 2005, it has expanded to care for over 350 children across seven projects.

The run will push Baines to his limits, with 33 marathon distances to cover in the scorching Thai heat.

“The heat and humidity will make this especially tough.”

If a 1,400-kilometre run sounds too intense, supporters can join the Run to Remember 2024 in Bangkok’s Chatuchak Park on December 15, with proceeds going to Hands Across the Water, reported Hua Hin Today.

In related news, ultramarathoner Natalie Dau achieved a remarkable feat by completing a 1,000-kilometre solo run across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in just 12 days. Despite enduring scorching heat, melted shoes, and a hip injury, Dau persevered, crossing the finish line at The Westin Singapore yesterday to an adoring home crowd of over 100 supporters.

In other news, the Two-Wheeled Merit-Making Group, also known as Tootee Luk Nam Khem Phak Tawan-Totee Pattaya, recently organised a meaningful charity event to support underprivileged and bedridden patients in the Nong Prue Municipality area.