Hat Kata Noi

Few people actually felt the earthquake, and no alarm was given, apart from casual mentions on local Thai radio.

Around 09:30, as about 20 people were playing on the beach or bathing, the sea retreated about 100 meters within the space of about 5 minutes.

Suddenly, without warning or visible signs of approaching danger, the sea rose again, inducing everyone to run to higher ground.

People who were in the sea up to their waists, were able to climb over the small wall to the safety of the gardens of the Kata Thani Resort, many leaving their possessions on the beach chairs in haste.

The sea started to retreat again slowly, dragging parasols, beach chairs, and other flotsam with the receding water.

The beach and the bay at Kata Noi (December 2003).
Maximum recession of tsunami waters at Kata Noi, before the 3rd, and strongest, wave (sea visible in the right corner, the beach is at the extreme left), 10:25 local time.
Approximate maximum rise of tsunami waters at Kata Noi (3rd tsunami wave), 11:00 local time.
Regular sea level at Kata Noi Beach, a few days after the tsunami.