Thai wave disaster is largest forensics challenge in years: expert

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2005

PHUKET, Thailand (AFP) — The identification of possibly thousands of foreign tourists killed by tsunamis in Thailand is proving to be the world's most challenging forensics operation in years.

Upwards of 100,000 foreign tourists, mainly Westerners, were packed into Thai beach resorts during the Christmas and New Year's holiday when huge waves slammed into the Andaman coast.

Nearly 5,000 people are confirmed dead, and Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra fears the toll will likely rise to 7,000 or 8,000, about half of them foreigners.

Identifying their bloated and disfigured bodies through DNA and other testing will take several months, according to Australian Phil Burfurd, director of communications with Kenyon Worldwide Disaster Management.

"I...