Painstaking collection of tsunami victims' DNA begins in Thailand

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2005

PHUKET, Thailand (AFP) — Forensic experts and medical staff have begun the painstaking task of collecting DNA samples from the victims of the tsunami disaster in Thailand, in the hopes of offering families proof of their loved ones' fates even if it takes months.

The international community, confronted by the unprecedented problem of what to do with the thousands of bodies left behind by the deadly waves, has begun to coordinate with the Thai authorities.

"Nineteen countries are now working together. More than 300 people are working with the same orders and under one direction," police Colonel Pornprasert Kanchanarin told diplomats and volunteers at the centre of the crisis in resort town of Phuket.

"All information will be sent to police in Phuket," he...