Ban Nam Khem

It was one of Thailand's worst-affected areas in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed around a quarter of its population of 4,200 and destroyed 80 percent of its homes.

[1] Ban Nam Khem was originally a small fishing community of around 30 households, until tin mining concessions granted in the area around 1972–1973 led to an economic boom which saw a sharp rise in population.

[1] Following the tsunami, Ban Nam Khem became a major focal point of government rebuilding efforts and external aid.

The village also saw the development of a local civil society movement as the community self-organized to participate in future planning and negotiate long-standing conflicts over land rights.

Local groups also pushed for disaster preparedness efforts, for which Ban Nam Khem has become recognized as a model community.