This report on the Sumatra-Andaman great earthquake and tsunami of December 26, 2004 describes the event and its impacts in southern Thailand. It includes the observations of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering Reconnaissance Team gathered one month after the event. The report covers the effects of the tsunami on the natural and built environment, and the recovery process in relation to social and economic issues. Lessons applicable to the understanding and potential mitigation of tsunami risk in New Zealand are presented and discussed.