On December 26, 2004, Thailand was hit by a devastating tsunami caused by a massive 9.1–9.3 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The quake triggered powerful waves that struck Thailand’s western coastline, including Phuket and Khao Lak. Thousands of lives were lost, and coastal communities were destroyed. Over 230,000 people across affected countries died, with Thailand suffering significant casualties and damage in one of the deadliest disasters ever recorded. | History In