International Tsunami Museum
Khao Lak, Thailand
Dr. David Sattler, Ph.D.
Disaster Researcher, Professor of Psychology
Western Washington University, USA-PowerPoint presentation, text and photographs
Copyright © 2010 by David N. Sattler. All Rights Reserved.

"Teach this triple truth to all:A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service andcompassion are the things which renew humanity."- Buddha Saying and Proverb

Topics for the exhibits (e.g., physical, social, and mental
health effects) are based, in part, on our research projects
examining psychological functioning of tsunami survivors.
Exhibit topics include:- Earthquakes, Tectonic Plates, and Tsunamis- Effects of the Tsunami on the Environment- Social Effects: Rebuilding Livelihoods and Communities- The World Becomes One: Aid and Assistance Provided byPeople Around the World- In Focus: Working Together for Recovery andReconstruction (An in-depth look at recovery efforts)- Tsunami Warning System- Tsunami Warning Signs- Personal Stories of Hope and Resilience
Exhibits were in Thai and English.

Museum Activities: Educating ChildrenChildren, parents, and teachers from local village schools
had field trips to the museum. The teachers created lessonplans. Children and parents used information in themuseum to learn about tsunamis. They shared theinformation with family members and friends.

Museum Reviews“In a subtle and ethical way, visitors are introduced to the
tragic events of December 26, 2004.”
Phuket Gazette Newspaper , Phuket, Thailand, January 20, 2007

"I felt proud walking into the museum
and realizing it was created by aWestern Washington University (WWU)
professor and students. My husband
and I are graduates of WWU and wererecently in Khao Lak on vacation.
You did a great job capturing thesocial impact and presenting thescientific perspective. Well done!”- Jana H., WWU Alumni		Disaster Preparedness
Disaster preparedness “must beachieved through proper
education via media campaigns…
and the school system.”“[If the public had recognized] thereceding sea as an early warningof impending killer waves thenthousands of lives would havebeen saved.”-- Prema-Chandra Athukorala & Budy Resosudarmo
Australian National University, 2006

Tsunami Education
Video Project-Project funded by a grant
to Dr. Sattler from
Psychology Beyond Borders
We adapted information in themuseum exhibits and createdan educational video.
The video is titled Learning about Tsunamis with Jai the Elephant,
and is distributed to schools for free.
Dr. Sattler produced the video Joseph Swanson (WWU student) andRobert Clark (WWU Video Services). It is available in Thai and withEnglish subtitles. Results of research projects show the video
effectively teaches about tsunami threats.

Jai the Elephant and herfriends show viewers how
countries worked together
to build a tsunami warningsystem; the warning signsof a tsunami; and what to
do if a tsunami comes.

Conclusion- Museums can (a) serve as acommunity resource, (b)actively promote awarenessabout disaster threats, and (c)work with schools andorganizations.
-- Museums can commemorate theevent and serve as a memorial.
-- Museums can show hope,resilience, and the human spirit,and help people move forwardwith their lives.