Flowers for remembrance

KHAO LAK: At a solemn ceremony in the now calm waters some five miles off Khao Lak, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebeth led a flotilla of nine other RTN vessels to place wreaths on the water for those lost in the tsunami of December 26.

The German, British, Swedish and Singaporean ambassadors to Thailand, as well as more than 100 other foreigners and local people, joined Defence Minister Gen Sumpun Boonyanum on board the carrier and other vessels for the Friday service.

In the bright mid-morning sunlight, the ships were made fast before the wreaths were cast upon the water from the smaller vessels.

Servicemen on board the larger craft – and from helicopters – gently lowered more wreaths to the sea.

Sailors along the flight deck of HTMS Chakri Naruebeth first stood to attention and then bowed their heads, joining the civilians in silence, remembrance and prayer.