ThyssenKrupp support projects for tsunami victims
Ban Nam Kem Tsunami Memorial Park opened in a special ceremony
"The Ban Nam Kem Tsunami Memorial Park is not only a place of sadness and remembrance, it is also a place of peace and tranquility, where relatives and victims can come to terms with their emotions. We are very pleased that a place of contemplation has been created in the form of this park, which can also give the people in the most severely affected region hope and strength."
Dr. Olaf Berlien,
Member of the Executive Board of ThyssenKrupp AG
On December 26, 2005, the Ban Nam Kem Tsunami Memorial Park was handed over to the public following an official memorial service.
One year after the tsunami claimed more than 5,000 victims in Thailand, official memorial services were held at six sites which were particularly severely affected. The Ban Nam Kem Tsunami Memorial Park, the majority of which was financed by ThyssenKrupp, was one of the selected sites.
Gratitude: Prime Minister Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra (right) and General Lertrat Ratanvanich thanked Dr. Olaf Berlien for the generous donations from ThyssenKrupp AG and its entire staff.
In addition to many high-ranking guests, village inhabitants and relatives, Dr. Olaf Berlien, from the Executive Board of ThyssenKrupp AG, and François Schefman, Group Representative for Thailand, attended the memorial service at the memorial park on the morning of the first anniversary. Following an address by the Thai Deputy Prime Minister Liptapanlop and a minute’s silence, the "memorial wall" was decorated with traditional flowers and small wreaths by relatives of those who died.
Memorial wall: this is where the victims of the disaster, whose names are engraved on small tiles, are remembered.
The "memorial wall" as the emotional center of the park
In addition to park areas, small pavilions and a museum which explains the tsunami phenomenon and documents the realization of the memorial park project, this “memorial wall” is the most important part of the park. The wall has been built opposite a symbolic tidal wave and is covered with tiles bearing the names of those who died. It forms the emotional center of the park, where many of those left behind often have to struggle with their emotions when they see the names of their relatives again.
Remembrance: the memorial wall is located opposite a “symbolic tidal wave”.
In the afternoon, the Park was then officially opened in the presence of numerous guests from the world of politics, the military and the international press and handed over to the provincial government. Following short addresses by the General who supported the project and representatives of the provincial government, Dr. Olaf Berlien spoke briefly to the guests on behalf of ThyssenKrupp. Dr. Berlien made special reference to the long standing links between the Group and Thailand and emphasized that it went without saying that ThyssenKrupp and its employees would help here.
Long-term commitment for the region
As a sign of willingness to provide long-term support to the region, Dr. Berlien handed the Prime Minister, who also acted as patron for the construction of the tsunami park, an additional donation of 5 million Thai Baht (approx. €100,000). Spread over the next five years, the intention is to use the amount to care for and maintain the park. This is also a contribution to the victims, who in many cases lost their livelihoods in the tidal wave.
Play: The memorial park is also a place for the many orphans of the region to forget their terrible experiences through play.
In his speech, Prime Minister Thaksin again thanked those who supported the project, in particular ThyssenKrupp and Dr. Berlien for the donation. This was followed by the ceremonial opening by the Prime Minister where the park was officially handed over to the provincial authorities.