Tsunami in Thailand | The Missing | 4

Summary

Against The Odds – Tsunami in Thailand | The Missing (Episode 4)

Date: November 25, 2025
Podcast: Against the Odds by Wondery
Host: Cassie De Pecol

---

Episode Overview

This powerful finale of the four-part “Tsunami in Thailand” series brings listeners into the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami through the eyes of survivors, medical staff, and rescuers. The episode immerses listeners in the desperate search for missing loved ones, the heroic and emotional rescue efforts, and the poignant grief and resilience of those affected. Real-life accounts are intertwined to create a tapestry of trauma, loss, and the fragile hope that emerges in the wake of catastrophic disaster.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Aftermath – Chaos, Destruction, and Desperate Searches

• Survivors, such as Wachiri and Wiman Tongtae, frantically search for missing family members in the destroyed village of Nam Khem.
• Hospitals, particularly Tokoa Pa Hospital, are overwhelmed. Medical staff, including Dr. Woot Winotai, work non-stop with inadequate supplies to treat thousands of injured.
• The emotional weight of searching for children among the rubble and bodies is captured in Wachiri’s relentless quest for her three-year-old daughter, Sudarat.

Notable Moment:
“She realizes everyone still alive in Nam Khem is searching for their loved ones too, just like her. If Wachiri is going to find Sudarat, it’s up to her.” (09:40)

2. Medical Crisis – Hospitals Overrun (12:20)

• Tokoa Pa Hospital is described as a battlefield hospital, with up to 2,000 patients in a facility designed for 177 beds.
• Makeshift medical solutions are employed as supplies run out; severe injuries and infections are rampant.

Quote:
"In the time he tended to the young man, even more patients filled the hallway. He imagines this is what a battlefield hospital must be like, and for the medical staff, there’s not a moment to rest." (10:22, Dr. Woot Winotai)

3. Acts of Heroism and Rescue (15:55; 18:52)

• Police Lt. Satyan Paunoy braves treacherous post-tsunami waters on a jet ski to reach trapped tourists in Emerald Cave.
• Survivors help each other, and moments of selflessness (e.g., a Swedish captain carrying an injured American woman, Helen, to an ambulance) are highlighted.

Quote:
Lt. Paunoy: "My name is Lieutenant Paunoy. We're going to get you some help. Just hold on to me. You’re going to be okay.” (16:35, to Olivia)

4. The Grieving and the Missing – Families Torn Apart (21:02, 26:00)

• Ed Moosh and his wife Helen struggle to reach medical help after a harrowing rescue at sea, highlighting the additional obstacles foreigners faced.
• Thirteen-year-old Monica Ribeiro climbs to safety, alone, grappling with the likely loss of her parents and the sheer survival instinct that kept her moving.
• Wiman Tongtae is eventually reunited with his wife and daughter Raatikan at the hospital, but their youngest, Sudarat, remains missing.

Quote:
"I promise I’ll be careful.” (08:10, Wachiri to her daughter Raatikan before embarking on her search for Sudarat)

5. Silent Strength and the Toll on Helpers (30:52, 38:00)

• Medical workers, especially Dr. Winotai, endure physical and emotional exhaustion, feeling numb to the unending suffering and loss.
• Small moments of relief come as backup medical teams arrive late at night, allowing exhausted doctors to finally rest.

Memorable Moment:
"Winotai feels almost numb after seeing so much death today. He looks at his watch. It’s almost midnight. He's not sure how much longer he can push himself.” (36:44)

6. The Agony of the Unfound; Closure and Community Response (39:20)

• Weeks later, Wiman continues searching for Sudarat, only to finally receive confirmation of her fate through a grim photograph.
• Survivors, including those like Monica, must pack up remnants of their lost lives and make decisions for an uncertain future, aided by the kindness of strangers.
• Psychological support and community aid are mobilized as survivors advocate for mental health resources.

Quote:
"A wailing sound fills the room and he realizes the voice he's hearing is his." (40:50, Wiman upon confirming Sudarat’s death)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:28] – Aftermath and the missing: Wachiri’s search for Sudarat
• [09:28] – Hospital chaos: Dr. Winotai’s perspective
• [15:55] – Rescue in Emerald Cave: Lt. Paunoy meets Olivia
• [18:52] – Ed Moosh’s journey to safety with wife and grandson
• [21:02] – Monica Ribeiro’s solitary escape to safety
• [26:00] – Family reunions and continued searches at the hospital
• [30:52] – Nightfall at the hospital: Dr. Winotai’s exhaustion and overwhelmed staff
• [39:20] – Weeks later: Search for the missing and eventual identification
• [40:50] – Wiman and Wachiri's grief at confirmation of Sudarat’s fate

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you go out into this sea, you’ll die.” (01:30, local fisherman warning Lt. Paunoy)
• “I can’t believe you’re alive.” (27:41, Wiman to Wachiri and Raatikan at the hospital)
• “She doesn’t need pity. She needs to just put one foot in front of the other.” (38:10, Monica’s resolve)

---

What Happened Next – Follow-ups

• Monica Ribeiro’s parents are later identified; Monica writes a memoir, “Surviving a Tsunami at 13.”
• Olivia and her siblings are split among relatives after losing their parents.
• Dr. Winotai and other staff battle post-disaster wound infections and amputations.
• Wiman’s advocacy brings in psychological counselors and community donations.
• Helen Moosh recovers from her injuries; Ed Moosh struggles with survivor’s guilt.
• An Indian Ocean tsunami warning system is implemented in 2006.

Quote:
"Approximately 230,000 people died in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, making it the deadliest natural disaster in recorded history." (41:10, closing narration)

---

Tone and Storytelling

The episode maintains a somber, immersive, and respectful tone, blending personal stories with vivid descriptions of the setting and circumstances. Dramatizations are acknowledged as based on research and survivor testimony, making space for both raw emotion and historical accuracy.

---

Summary

This episode intimately captures the human toll of the tsunami—not only in loss of life but in the psychic wounds, the desperate searches, fleeting moments of hope, and the solidarity that follows. Through the voices of parents, children, doctors, and rescuers, "The Missing" binds listeners to the cycles of loss, discovery, and endurance that define disaster—always, in the end, against the odds.

Transcript

[A]

Wondery subscribers can listen to against the Odds, early and ad free right now. Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.

[B]

A listener note against the Odds uses dramatizations that are based on true events. Some elements, including dialogue, may be invented, but everything is based on research. Wonder. Police lieutenant Sautian Paunoy sprints along a pier on Koh Lanta, Thailand. It's early afternoon, December 26, 2004, and the island has just been walloped by a series of massive waves. Fortunately, the long, sloping beaches and coral reefs that ring the landmass seem to have absorbed most of the impact. But Pau Noye fears that other parts of the country haven't been so lucky. He's especially concerned about the Emerald Cave on Kamuk, and so he's racing to find a boat that will take him there. Pao Noi has been to the Emerald Cave many times. It's one of Thailand's most popular destinations, a pristine beach accessible only by swimming through a long tunnel half submerged in the ocean. Boats leave daily from the pier at Koh Atlanta, ferrying tourists 12 miles southeast to the cave entrance. Hanoi's worried. What if the waves hit the sightseers just as they were swimming through the tunnel? He tried radioing the boat's captains but had no luck. He comes across the owner of a fishing trawler who's mopping water from his deck. I need a boat to take me to the Emerald Cave. The man looks at Pa Noi like he's crazy. He points toward the ocean, where 3 foot swells surge toward the shoreline. Look at those waves. They might not be as big as before, but they're still dangerous. Please, there are tourists there who could be injured. The captain snorts. If you go out into this sea, you'll die. Without a word, Pa Noy turns on his heels. He asks other fishermen for help, but gets the same response. He only has one option left. He runs to where his jet ski is parked. Pa Noy unties it from the anchor, hops on, then starts the engine. He knows it's risky, but he can't knowingly abandon any survivors. In seconds, he's bouncing over the waves heading south toward the Emerald Cave. Against the Odds is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try [e-mail], progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all States in our.

[C]

Toughest moments, humans will fight to survive, but luckily we're not often in survival mode.

[B]

Sometimes we can just sit back and.

[C]

Enjoy the ride and no one knows a comfortable ride like OnStar. Enjoy convenient features like Google Assistant to make calls or send texts on the go. Remember where you parked with vehicle, locate and even drive hands free with available Super Cruise Driver Assistant tech with OnStar, your rise can be easier than ever. OnStar better never stops. Foreign.

[B]

I'm Cassie Depechel and this is against the Odds. As the first waves of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami struck the coast of Thailand, thousands were killed almost instantly, but thousands more survived, with many suffering severe wounds. As the waters finally began to recede from the shoreline, they exposed a horrific scene of death and destruction. Survivors combed through the wreckage, searching for loved ones. Hospitals were overwhelmed with the injured and their supplies stretched thin. In the aftermath, strangers who were spared came together to save what remained. Episode this is Episode four the missing. Wachiri Tongtae stands at a second floor window and yells out the name of her youngest daughter, Sudarat. Sudarat. But there's no answer. Guacheri grows more frantic. Not long ago, she found her older daughter, 8 year old Raatikan. A woman in the village had grabbed Raatikan after she was swept from Wachori's arms in the tsunami. Once the water receded, the woman who saved Ratikan brought her to Wacheri. Guachiree embraced her daughter with all her might and the two of them climbed back up to the second floor of the building where other survivors have gathered. They feel safer up here in case another wave comes in. Ouacheri keeps calling for Sudarat. Her youngest is only three. How could she have survived? Everywhere watchery looks is destruction and death. A car has been pushed onto its roof, its undercarriage glinting in the sun. Branches and shards of lumber float on the water's surface. So do bodies. Some are upturned, their faces pale, their eyes open. Her thoughts flash to her husband, Wiman, who was out to sea fishing when the waves hit. She doubts his small wooden longtail boat could have withstood the force of the water. A darkness consumes her, a despair so heavy she feels like she might collapse under its weight. Below her, she sees a man wearing nothing but boxer shorts wading up the street. The water is only shin deep now. To think that just a half hour ago it was a raging torrent that ripped entire buildings from their foundations. Guachary calls down to the man, sir, have you seen a little girl. She's three. She's my daughter and I can't find her. But the man doesn't even look up. Guachiri squeezes her fists, feels her fingernails digging into her palms. She looks in the other direction, then back toward the man walking up the stairs. STREET he approaches a body that's floating face down, wedged against an overturned sofa. The man lifts the head to examine the face, then drops it back into the water. She realizes everyone still alive in Nam Khem is searching for their loved ones too, just like her. If Watari is going to find Sudarat, it's up to her. She goes over to Ratikan, who's sitting on the floor, her back against a wall. Watiri gets down on one knee and embraces her. I'm going to look for your sister. I'll be back soon. Raatikan looks up at her mother and Wachiri sees fear in her eyes. No, don't leave me. Guachary pulls her close again. I promise I'll be careful. After a long moment, her daughter nods. Outside, Wachiri wades through the water, shouting Sudarat's name over and over. Raatikan's survival was a miracle. Is it too much to ask for another Dr. Woot? Winotai ties off the last suture over a gash in a patient's thigh. The patient, a man in his 20s, squirms in pain. He squeezes the hand of a nurse who runs a towel over his sweaty forehead. Normally, Winotai would be doing this procedure in a proper exam room with gurneys. Instead, this man is stretched out on a bench in the hallway of Tokoa Pa Hospital. The hospital, which serves the nearby village of Nam Khem, is overrun. At last count, more than 2,000 patients have been admitted to a facility with just one hundred and seventy seven beds. Winotai and his colleagues are completely overwhelmed. Several hundred patients arrived with serious injuries. Head wounds, internal trauma, broken limbs. Many have died, and Winotai knows it's only going to get worse. They're quickly running out of supplies like gauze. As Winotai peels off his rubber gloves, the nurse tears strips of cloth from a surgical gown and wraps it around the man's thigh. Huinatai would like to ask his patient how he survived the wave, but there's no time, so he gives the man a reassuring smile and turns away. In the time he tended to the young man, even more patients filled the hallway. He imagines this is what a battlefield hospital must be like, and for the medical staff, there's not a moment to rest. He stops by a woman who's doubled over, heaving. So many survivors have come in with water in their lungs. They may have escaped the waves, but some are still drowning. The hospital's six respirators are all in use, and the nearest hospital is hours away, so the medical staff is trying to encourage the patients to expel the water. Winotai kneels down as the woman's shoulders shake from the effort of coughing. He puts a hand on her back. I know it hurts, but keep going. You need to get all of that out of your lungs. The woman nods, trying to catch her breath. Then another fit of coughing ripples through her. She spits muddy water onto the hospital floor. Winotai is confident this woman will live, but he knows some of the older patients won't. They just don't have the strength to clean out their lungs, and soon they'll suffocate. Huinutai closes his eyes momentarily and draws in a deep breath. He's lost so many patients already. How many more will die before night falls? Wiman Tongtae wades toward the shore. At Nam Khem, his brother Prakong and the two men they rescued from the sea help him pull his longtail boat. None of them speak, crushed by the devastation around them. Through the stands of trees, Wiman can see a glimpse of the wreckage beyond. Overturned cars, splintered wood, toppled homes. A flash of color catches Wiman's eye, and he looks up to see a man in a red shirt, dead, draped over a branch of a tree that's 15ft above the ground. Wiman can't believe the water had reached that level, but here's the proof. Wiman's home is less than a half mile down the beach. He thinks of his wife and daughters, his siblings, his mother. Will Prakang and he be the only survivors. Wiman anchors the boat in the shallow water, and the four men wade onto the sand. The men who Wiman rescued turn and bow to him, thanking him again. Wiman shakes his head. Please. You would have done the same. The men head off to look for their families. Wiman sinks to the sand, his head in his hands. He knows he needs to muster the strength to look for his own family, but he needs a second to collect himself. Behind him, he hears a creaking sound and turns to see his precious longtail boat slowly sinking into the shallow water where he'd anchored it. In seconds, even its elevated prow has disappeared beneath the surface. He remembers the prayer he uttered on the ride back up the coast after the waves hit. He'd wanted the boat to last just long enough to get him home. His prayer had been answered. He gets up and walks over to Percong, who is sprawled exhausted on the beach. Let's go. It's time to find Wacheri and the girls. They walk inland until they reach the road that leads to their village. But even from here, he can see that the path to Nam Khem is strewn with rubble. Just then, a pickup truck approaches. The driver breaks next to them. Where are you going? To Nam Khem. To find my family. The driver shakes his head. There's no one left there. They've ordered the village cleared in case another wave comes. Anyone who survived is already evacuated. Wiman peers down the road as if he might see past the next bend, through the trees and into his home. He looks at the driver. What if the village survived? I'm sorry. The village is gone. I'm headed to the hospital. I can give you a ride. Ouimon stands there for a moment, drawing deep breaths. Whatever little shred of hope he had that his family might have survived is vanished. His grief feels like something physical, as if it's pressing down on him from every direction. The sea took too much today, he realizes. He may never even find their bodies. Wimon nods, and he and Prakang get into the back of the man's truck. Police Lt. Satyan Palnoy squeezes the handles of his Jet Ski as it bounces over the waves. He's zipping through open water on his way to the tiny island of Kamuk, where he's worried. Tourists visiting the Emerald Cave have been stranded. But even though the worst of the tsunami has passed, the seas are rot. Several times over the past hour, the waves have almost thrown him from the Jet Ski. But now the granite cliffside of Kamuk's western coast finally comes into view. He can see the waves breaking against the stone walls as he motors closer. Panoj eases up on the throttle as he nears the tunnel opening. He leans into the turn, steering the Jet Ski into the cave. The tunnel walls are barely big enough to fit him on his Jet Ski, but he inches forward. Even though it's mid afternoon, the tunnel is so long that its middle section is dark. He moves slowly. He doesn't want to hit his head or crash the Jet Ski. Paunoy tries to listen for the sound of voices, but the echo of the Jet Ski's engines is too loud off the walls. He slows the Jet Ski even more worried he might bump into a floating body. The tunnel grows brighter as he nears the exit, and then he emerges, spread out around the beach and up the hill. Surrounding it are dozens of people, and on the sand he sees two bodies, deathly still. Olivia Su looks up at the sound of a motor around her. Other survivors, including her sisters, stand up and point towards the entrance to the tunnel. They've been sitting here for hours, waiting for someone, anyone, to come rescue them. And then Olivia sees a man on a jet ski emerge from the tunnel. She watches as her brother Edward wades over to the man and they exchange a few words. Then Edward turns and hurries in her direction. Olivia, we need to get you on that jet ski. I think you have a concussion. You need a doctor. Olivia lifts a hand to her forehead, gently massaging the bump there. She's in a daze. She's not sure if it's from the blow to her head she took or if it's the shock from seeing her mom's dead body on the beach. Olivia's never felt so desolate. Not only is her mother gone, but so is her stepfather, both of them killed by this freak wave. Edward helps her to her feet. She feels dizzy as she stands with her weight sagging against him. They take tentative steps toward the water. When they reach the shore, Edward and the other man lift her onto the seat of the jet ski and she wraps her arms around the pilot's chest. She leans her head against his back and closes her eyes. My name is Lieutenant Pau Noye. We're going to get you some help. Just hold on to me. You're going to be okay. But Olivia thinks she may never truly be okay again. Then the jet ski accelerates gently and they're back in the cave. As they make their way through the small tunnel, Olivia squeezes her eyes shut. She can't bear to look at the last place she saw her mother alive.

[D]

Why choose a sleep number?

[B]

Smart bed Can I make my sight softer?

[A]

Can I make my sight firmer? Can we sleep cooler?

[D]

Sleep number does that cools up to eight times faster and lets you choose your ideal comfort on either side. Your sleep number setting Enjoy personalized comfort for better sleep night after night. It's our Black Friday sale recharged this season with a bundle of cozy, soothing comfort. Now only 17.99 for our C2 mattress and base plus free premium delivery. Price is higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Check it out at asleepnumberstore or sleepnumber.com today.

[B]

Oh, hey.

[A]

Welcome to gift wrapping.

[E]

Whoa.

[A]

So we sell Donna.

[F]

Hey, can you Wrap these please.

[A]

Wow. IPhone 17s.

[F]

You splurged at T Mobile. You can get four iPhone 17s on them. The new center stage front camera is amazing for group selfies. It's the perfect gift for everyone.

[A]

I'm the worst. I only got my mom a robe.

[F]

Well, it's better than socks.

[A]

So I have to trade in my old phone, right?

[F]

No AT T Mobile there's no trade ins needed when you switch. Keep your old phone or give it as a gift.

[A]

Incredible.

[F]

In fact, wrap up my old phone too for my Aunt Rosa.

[B]

Forget that.

[F]

Aunt Liz will be jealous.

[A]

Sounds like my family drama.

[B]

Oh, I got it.

[F]

I'll give it to my abuela. I'll take reindeer paper with hey, where are you going?

[B]

To T Mobile.

[A]

The holidays are better. AT T Mobile get four iPhone 17s on us. No trade in needed when you switch plus four lines for just 25 bucks a line. And now T Mobile is available in US cellular stores with 24 monthly bill credits and four eligible board ins on essentials for well qualified customers bought on pay + taxes, fees and $35 device connection charge credits ended balance due if you pay off earlier. Cancel contact US Finance Agreement 256 gigabytes $830 required visit team mobile.com.

[B]

Ed Moosh limps along the deck of a large sailing vessel alongside his grandson Michael. They're on their way to Puket. It will take three hours, but there's no hospital. Any closer and both Michael and Ed's wife, Helen, need medical attention. Michael has a broken arm, but Ed's especially worried about Helen. She's struggling to breathe and he's concerned she has internal injuries. Two hours ago, this sailboat picked up Ed and Helen from a longtail boat that had rescued them from the wreckage off Phi Phi Don Island. After they boarded the sailboat, the captain, a Swedish man, put his crew and his boat at Ed's service. Ed's first request was oxygen for his wife. Unfortunately, the boat didn't have much, so Ed radioed a fellow sailor who picked up more oxygen from Ed and Helen's boat, Tahlequah. He also brought their grandson Michael back to them for the first time since the wave. Ed, Helen, and Michael are together again. Ed reaches over and gives Michael's good arm a squeeze. He's so grateful he and Helen didn't wake Michael up this morning to come with them to pee. Pee Don. If they had, he might be dead now. Ed turns back toward the horizon, squinting into the mid afternoon sun. He nudges Michael there That's Phuket. Ed points to the coastline rising up on the horizon. I need to tell Helen we're almost there. He turns and heads to the steps, which take him into the cabins where Helen is stretched out on a cot. A respirator covers her face. Even with the oxygen, each breath makes her wince in pain. Ed leans down to her and runs his palm over her forehead. Just hang on. We'll be at a hospital soon. He climbs back to the deck, then goes to the bridge, where the captain is peering ahead through binoculars. He lowers them and turns to Ed. I heard on the radio that Phuket was spared much of the damage. We'll be near the pier soon, but for the sake of speed, I'm going to lower the ship's tender and we'll take Helen to shore that way. Ed nods. He knows the tender, the smaller boat attached to the side of this ship, can maneuver more quickly through the water. The captain turns to his first mate and says something in Swedish. The crew member motions for Ed to follow him. The two men go to the cabin where Helen is lying and together they help her to the deck. Michael is waiting for them there. By then, the boat has stopped and other crew members had placed the tender in the water. Ed and the first mate lower Helen gently toward the other boat, while the crew members beneath reach up to help her into it. Once she's situated, Ed makes his own way onto the smaller boat. He moves gingerly. His hip and legs are killing him. Michael follows behind him. As Ed takes a seat. He's surprised to see the captain climb aboard with them. They speed off toward the dock. Even now, at least four hours since the waves hit, the water is still choppy. Ed cradles Helen's head as the tender bounces over the waves. The little boat slows as it nears the dock and a crew member jumps off and and ties it down. Ed goes to help lift Helen off the boat, but the captain, a big, beefy man, beats Ed to the task. The captain gathers Helen in his arms and steps onto the dock. He carries Helen along the pier. Ed and Michael trail behind. Then paramedics load Helen into a waiting ambulance. Michael gets in after her before Ed climbs in. He turns to the captain to thank him, but the captain is holding out a wad of bills and he stuffs them into Ed's hand. This will help. At the hospital, Ed is confused, but then realizes that his wallet and money are gone, taken by the wave. Still, this seems too generous. The captain has already done so much. Ed tries to return the money. But the man is already hurrying back to the tender. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Ed climbs into the back of the ambulance to join Helen and Michael. Ed watches as the paramedics treat Helen, taking her blood pressure, replacing her oxygen. Finally she's getting the care she needs. 13 year old Monica Ribeiro pushes her way through the thick foliage on the mountain that towers over the Kowloc beach. She emerges onto a small overlook. Hundreds of feet below are the sea and the swamped remains of Kaluk. She sits down on a rock, hugging her knees. She finally feels confident she's made it high enough that she'll be safe from any more waves. She was so desperate to get to higher ground that she refused to stop moving. She even crawled forward at one point. Now, as she catches her breath and the exhaustion sets in, she hears the voices of a few other survivors who have also stopped here. A German woman comes up to her and offers her a towel. Monica accepts it and wraps it around her shoulders. Then the woman looks at her closely. Are you alone? Monica pauses for a second. She doesn't know how to answer. She came to Thailand with her parents, but the last image she has is of them behind her, running from the wave. Then they were gone and all she could see was the water. Did they survive? Monica thinks back to her own narrow escape. How all the debris kept forcing her underwater, how close she felt to drowning. The sight of all the dead bodies around her. She looks up at the woman. Yes, I'm alone. The woman shakes her head sadly, then goes and speaks in German to a man Monica assumes is the woman's husband. From the way they keep glancing in her direction, Monica knows they're talking about her. She looks down toward the beach, or what used to be the beach. While much of the water has receded back into the ocean, the coastline is still submerged. The trees appear to be growing out of the water. She sees people waiting listlessly amid all the wreckage. The beach umbrellas, the plastic chairs, the half sunken cars. Monica realizes they're looking for their loved ones. Even up here she can hear distant cries of names being shouted. Farther down the cliffside she sees more survivors, including an older man. All of a sudden he cries out and a young woman rushes into his arms. It's a father and a daughter, reunited. She feels a stab of jealousy. She's certain there will be no emotional reunion for her and her parents. But a part of Monica also feels something profound, that no matter what, she'll be all Wyman Tongtae jumps out of the pickup truck. Outside Tokoa Pa Hospital Just before he goes to push open the hospital doors, he stops. He feels his brother Prakang's hand on his shoulder. We have to go in. Wiman sighs. The hospital is an obvious place to look for his family, but he's petrified of what he might find. But his need to know overrules his fear. He pushes the door open and is greeted by pandemonium. Patients are slumped in chairs, others are lying on the floor. An orderly mops up blood from the middle of the hallway. Wiman looks around, stunned by what he sees. Then he regains his focus. He turns to his brother. Let's split up. Herkong nods. Wiman makes his way down the hallway, stepping over outstretched legs and trying to ignore the pained cries of the wounded and bereaved. Wiman stops at the sound of his name. He turns around to see his mother rushing toward him. He reaches out his arms and she falls into them. Suddenly the grief and stress of the past few hours overwhelm him and he weeps while holding her. Wacherie and the girls. I think they're gone. No, we man. I saw Wacheri earlier. I lost track of her, but she survived. She's here somewhere. Wiman feels his heart quicken in his chest. He pulls back and looks at his mother and she nods her head as if to assure him this news isn't just his imagination. He kisses her forehead, then takes off down the hallway, poking his head in every room he sees. Finally, after barging in on countless rooms, Wiman sees his wife. She's in a bed and their oldest daughter, Raatikan, lies next to her. He rushes toward them and leans over, wrapping his arms around them both. I can't believe you're alive. But then he looks around him. Where is Sudarat? Watari shakes her head, her eyes forlorn. I'm sorry. I tried to hold onto her, but the wave was too strong. It's not your fault. We'll find her. Limon straightens and brushes the tears from his face with the heel of his hand. He starts to get up. He needs to go look for Sudirat. But suddenly he can't move. The idea of seeing his small daughter's dead body is too much. He sinks back into the bed next to Watcher. He tries to gather his strength for the grim task ahead.

[G]

Get almost anything you need delivered with Uber Eats. What do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well groomed lawn delivered, but you can get chicken parmesan delivered. A little escape? No, a Delicious bowl of grapes.

[B]

Yes.

[G]

Yes, that. An afternoon stroll. Sorry, no. A burrito bowl. Happily, yes. A day of sunshine. No. A box of fine wines. Yes. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost, almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol and select markets. Product availability may vary by region. See app for details.

[A]

Okay, Kerry, you ready? Quick, quick, quick. List three gifts you'd never give.

[H]

A cowboy, lacy bobby socks, a diamond bracelet. Um, and a gift certificate to Sephora.

[A]

Oh, my God, that's outrageous.

[B]

Carrie.

[A]

Oh, wait, we're recording a commercial right now. We gotta tell them why we're doing this.

[H]

Oh, yeah, sorry, pod listeners. Okay, so we're five besties who've been friends for five million years. And we love games, so of course we made our own.

[A]

It's called Quick, quick, Quick. You just pick a card and have your partner give three answers to an outrageous question. It's fast, fun, fantastic, and a bunch of other funny adjectives.

[H]

Anyone can play your mom, your dad, your kids, your kids, your Auntie Edna, and even your butcher.

[A]

And you know what's incredible? There are no wrong answers. Just open your brain and say, what's in it. Just quickly.

[H]

And you're not going to believe this. Well, you might once you start playing. It's as much fun to watch as it is to play seriously.

[A]

So get up and go grab your copy now at Target and Amazon. Quick, quick, quick.

[H]

It's the fastest way to have fun.

[B]

Doctor Woot. Winotai runs his coat sleeve across his sweaty forehead. It's night and he's been going non stop for hours, tending to the endless stream of patients that keep arriving at Tekoa Pa Hospital. There's no time to rest. Every doctor and nurse here has barely been able to take a sip of water. As Huino Thai passes the narrative nurses station, he calls out, I can't find any gloves. Do we have any more? A nurse who's hooking up a patient to an IV nods toward a cardboard box that's sitting on the counter. Winotai goes to it and looks inside. Earlier, a truck pulled up outside with supplies from another hospital. Disinfecting, alcohol, sutures, gauze, and Winotai realizes with relief, rubber gloves. Now, if only they could get some more doctors so he and his colleagues can get some sleep. But he can't dwell on that now. He pulls out a pair of gloves and hurries to treat an elderly woman brought in minutes ago. She's bleeding fast from her head. We know Ty has seen a lot of these injuries in the surging waters Victims were slammed into everything imaginable. Jagged metal, broken glass, concrete pillars. At least this woman is conscious. He shines a pen light into her eyes. She doesn't appear to have a concussion, but the bleeding won't stop. Just then he hears the voice of one of the orderlies. The man rushes over and throws his arms around the old woman. This isn't the first reunion Ouino Ty has seen today. Everyone on staff seems to know someone injured in the flood. But not everyone has been as lucky as this pair. Earlier, one of the nurses said a tearful goodbye to her brother, who had so much water in his lungs that he suffocated in front of her. Winotai feels almost numb after seeing so much death today. He looks at his watch. It's almost midnight. He's not sure how much longer he can push himself. Then he hears a commotion near the entrance to the emergency room. His stomach sinks, worried that a new rush of patients is coming in. He paces down the hallway and peeks his head into the room. But instead of more patience, he sees several physicians, none of whom he recognizes. Winotai wants to hug them. He walks up to one and offers his hand, then introduces him himself. You've come just in time. The staff here is running on fumes. The doctor nods and looks around. We're sorry it's taken so long. Even our hospital, which is further inland, was overwhelmed with patients. The man puts a comforting arm on Winotai's shoulder. Dr. Winotai, it's time for you to get some rest. You've done remarkable work. Come back in the morning. Oinotai feels so relieved he worries he makes might collapse in sobs if he speaks so. He just nods his head, unsure if he even has the strength to make it back to his little house. Across the courtyard, he moves through the crowd of patients and pushes open the doors. He stops and draws a deep breath, then turns his head up to the night sky. A flurry of stars glimmers above him. The humid air wraps around him like a blanket. For a second it feels like just another lovely night in Thailand. But then he hears a wail of pain coming from the hospital. He's certain the cries of the dying and the bereaved will echo in his head for a long time to come. Monica Ribeiro pauses outside the door of her family's hotel room in Kaloc. It's just one day since the tsunami. She stayed last night with a Swiss tourist named Patricia, one of the other guests at the resort. Several tourists worked together to help Monica get in touch with the Portuguese embassy. The staff there was able to reach Monica's uncle who's flying to Thailand now. In the meantime, Monica needs to do something she's dreading return to her parents room at the resort and pack their things. She slides the key in the lock, opens the door and walks in. For a moment she just stands there looking around. There's her father's suitcase open on the bed. On the nightstand is the teak elephant he'd bought her from a vendor. Hanging on the back of a chair is the silk scarf her mom bought at a shop. Monica closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. The scent of her mother's perfume still lingers in the air. After a moment she opens her eyes and gets to work. As she's placing their belongings into suitcases, she comes across her father's pilot id. She studies his face, then flashes back to the last time she saw him alive. Screaming at her to run, she hears a soft knock at the door. Monica. It's Patricia. Let me help. Monica stands up and wipes the tears from her cheeks. She takes another deep breath and then walks to the door and lets Patricia in. Patricia has been so kind to Monica. Really, everyone has. But if she's being honest, Monica is growing tired of the pitying looks she gets when people hear she's lost both her parents. She doesn't need pity. She needs to just put one foot in front of the other. Patricia looks around the room and takes the biggest bag. She starts to wheel it toward the door, then turns to Monica. Your uncle's plane has almost landed and your brother is en route as well. You'll have family here soon. A new feeling surges through her gratitude that she was blessed with the parents she had. She extends the handle of the rolly bag and wheels it into the hallway and the door clicks shut behind her. Uimang Tongtae walks through the doors of Tokoa Pa Hospital, headed for the room where his wife, Wacherie, is recuperating. It's January 5, 2005, almost two weeks since the tsunami. Liman has spent spent every day since looking for Sudarat. He was certain that his three year old daughter had been swept into the pond that lies on the other side of the road behind their house. After all, Guachary and the two girls had been near the pond when the wave hit them. But Wiman couldn't search the pond himself. He didn't have the equipment to search the pond. They'd need to drain it, and to drain it they'd need hydraulic pumps and he couldn't get anyone from the government to help. But then Wiman was interviewed by a well known Thai journalist and explained his plight. He pointed out that there could be many bodies at the bottom of the pond. After all, many villagers still remained unaccounted for. A few days after the interview was broadcast, water pumps arrived to drain the pond. As the water level dropped, bodies began to emerge. First one, then two, then 10. In all, 60 bodies were pulled from the muck. But Sudarat wasn't one of them. It's been agony for Wiman and Wachiri. They want to be able to lay their daughter to rest. Each day he's traveled to nearby temples where the authorities have been collecting recovered bodies for identification. The faces of the dark dead haunt him. But none have been his daughter. He trudges down the hallway of the hospital toward his wife's room, preparing to tell her that he still hasn't found Sudarat. But when he enters, he sees tears streaming down Wuacheri's cheeks. She's clutching a photograph. Wiman's mouth goes dry. He knows what that must mean with so many people missing. The authorities have circulated photos of the faces of the dead. He goes to kneel at her bedside and takes the photo from her. He doesn't want to look, but he has to. He stares at the picture of his three year old daughter's face. A wailing sound fills the room and he realizes the voice he's hearing is his. Approximately 230,000 people died in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, making it the deadliest natural disaster in recorded history. In Thailand, the death toll was more than 5,000, but another 3,000 victims were never found. Three months after the disaster, Monica Ribeiro's parents were were identified. Monica went to live with relatives in Portugal. She works now as a life coach and lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. In 2023, she wrote her memoir, Surviving a Tsunami. At 13, Olivia Hsu recovered from her injuries. The losses Olivia and her brother Edward suffered split the family. Their two younger sisters went to live with an aunt, while Olivia, Edward and another sibling went to live with their grandmother. In the days after the tsunami, Dr. Woot Winotai and the staff at Tekoa Pa Hospital faced a new problem. Patients whose wounds they stitched up came back to the hospital. The water that had seeped into their wounds caused infections and despite antibiotics, many of the wounds were showing signs of gangrene. In some cases, surgeons had no other choice but to amputate. Following the discovery of his daughter's body, Wimang Tongtae was overcome with grief. The journalist whose coverage had led to the excavation of the pond checked in on him. Wiman told the reporter that the survivors of Nam Khem needed counseling, and within days, 70 psychologists arrived. Other donations allowed him to get a new long tail to replace the one destroyed in the tsunami. Helen Mush was treated for pneumonia and a torn Achilles tendon in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Thailand. She was released after 12 days. In the months and years after the tsunami, Ed Mush wrestled with severe survivor's guilt. In June 2006, a tsunami warning system was launched for nations bordering the Indian Ocean.

[A]

If you like, against the odds, you can binge all episodes early and ad free right now by joining Wondery in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad free on Amazon Music. And before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail] survey.

[B]

This is the fourth episode of our four part series Tsunami in Thailand. A quick note about our scenes. In most cases we can't know exactly what was said, but everything is based on historical research. If you'd like to learn more about this event, we recommend the books Wave of Destruction by Eric Krause, Rising above the Wave by Edward Moosh Surviving a tsunami at 13 by Monica Ribeiro Connelly and the television series Race Against Time directed by Daniel Bogota Produced by the National Geographic Channel. I'm your host Cassie Depechel. Steve Fennesee wrote this episode. Sound design by Rob Schieliga Audio engineer is Sergio Marquez. Original theme music Scott Velasquez and 2K for frees on sync Fact checking by Alyssa Jung Perry produced by Emily Frost Managing producer is Desi Blaylock Senior producers are Andy Herman and Austin Reckless. Executive producers are Jenny Lauer, Beckman and Marshall Louie for Wondery.

[E]

Hey basketball fans. Steve Nash here. Ready to elevate your basketball IQ? I'm teaming up with LeBron James to bring you the latest season of Mind the Game. And we're about to take you deeper into basketball than you've ever gone before. We're breaking down the real game, the X's and O's that actually matter. In every episode, we'll share elite level strategy, dive into career defining moments and explain the why behind plays that changed a game, a team or a championship. LeBron and I have lived this game at the highest level for decades. We've been in those pressure moments and made those game changing decisions and learned from the greatest basketball minds in history. Now we're pulling back the curtain and sharing that knowledge with you. Time to go beyond the highlights and get into the real heart of basketball. Watch Mind the game now on YouTube Prime Video or listen wherever you get your podcasts.