After months of rigorous DNA analysis, the Thai Tsunami Victims Identification Committee (TTVIC) identified the remains of the late Estelita Sales, one of the 12 Filipinos who lost their lives during the devastating tsunami that struck Thailand on 26 December 2004.

The Embassy, in close coordination with the Department’s Office of Migrant Workers’ Affairs, facilitated the cremation of the victim’s remains in Phuket on 30 November 2006, and the repatriation of her ashes to the Philippines on 1 December 2006.

The December 2004 tsunami, generated by a magnitude 9.3 earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, swamped the coasts of India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It even reached the coasts of eastern Africa. In the aftermath, at least 200,000 people died in the worst humanitarian catastrophe in recent times.

In Thailand, the southern provinces of Phuket and Phangnga were severely affected. Many resorts and towns were washed away leaving at least 5,300 dead (both Thais and foreigners).

Immediately after the disaster struck, the Embassy created a task force to monitor the developments in the affected provinces in southern Thailand, as well as to identify and assist Filipino victims. A mobile team was sent to Phuket first thing in the morning of 27 December to ascertain first-hand the effects of the disaster on the Filipinos in the affected areas. The task force, in coordination with the Thai government agencies and local government officials, assisted 59 Filipino survivors, most of whom were overseas workers. Of these victims, 34 chose to be repatriated to the Philippines. A large part of the Filipino community in the southern provinces, estimated at around 300 (mostly entertainers or hotel industry workers), was not directly affected. Unfortunately, the tragedy claimed the lives of 12 Filipinos. Most of the Filipinos in the area were entertainers or hotel industry workers.

Two teams of Philippine forensic experts from the National Bureau of Investigation were active members of the original 30-country TTVIC and were tasked to be its quick-response team. The experts, sent to Thailand on instructions of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, also doubled as TTVIC information management staff and on-site forensic examiners. During their two-month mission, they distinguished themselves for their forensic knowledge, dedication and unparalleled work ethic.

The identification and repatriation of the remains of the late Sales completed the Embassy’s efforts in identifying all Filipino tsunami victims (see list below) in Thailand.

Filipino Tsunami Fatalities in Thailand

1. BARANDOC, Jasmin C.
2. BAUERLE, Gloria Pongco
3. REYES, Cassandra Szelie Liew (daughter of Gerard S. Reyes)
4. REYES, Gerard S.
5. SALES, Estelita C. 
6. ALBAO, Marcela S.
7. ANG TAN, Sharleen May
8. CRUZ, Cruzett Bulaon
9. LOMADILLA, Kathryn Joy
10. NAVAL, Renato
11. TERASAKA, Ivy Catherine Tomenio
12. TUZARA, Ria Jane M.

The Philippines
Office of the President
Department of Foreign Affairs
Department of Trade & Industry
Department of Tourism
Philippine Media
° The Manila Bulletin Online
° The Philippine Daily Inquirer
° The Philippine Star

Thailand
Office of the Premier
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Thai Media
° Bangkok Post
° The Nation