This is a co-ordinated collaboration of international Disaster Victim Identification Teams working with Thai authorities under the direction of the Royal Thai Police.

What is the DVI process?

Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) is an internationally recognized process used in mass casualty incidents such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks. More information about the internationally accepted DVI protocols used can be found on the Interpol website.

What is a DVI team?

A DVI team is comprised of a range of specialists including crime scene investigators, forensic pathologists, forensic odontologists (dentists), photographers, fingerprint and DNA experts.

What steps are involved in the identification process?

1. Collection of post mortem or PM data (after death)
2. Collection of ante mortem or AM data (before death)
3. Identification reconciliation process (data verification)
4. Identification board (similar to a coroner’s inquiry in many countries)
5. Notification to next of kin and release of the victims’ remains

What is post mortem or PM data?

Following the tsunami of 26 December 2004, the Thai authorities initially established three temporary mortuary sites equipped to conduct post mortem examinations in accordance with international best practice established by the Interpol guidelines for Disaster Victim Identification. Forensic experts conducted detailed examinations of victims, recording a wide range of identifying physical characteristics including height, fingerprints, tattoos, surgical implants, dental x-rays etc. All information is entered into PlassData, a computer system based on the Interpol forms, which assists the comparison of PM data against ante mortem or AM data, as part of the identification process.

What is ante mortem or AM data?

Police officers, counsellors and other specialists around the world interviewed families of victims to collect information and data, such as dental and medical records, fingerprints and DNA relating to missing persons. This is referred to as ante mortem or AM data. In some countries, fingerprints are required in order to obtain a national identity card, however, in those countries where no such database exists, officers visited the homes of missing persons to check personal items which the person may have touched, for example, a glass of water beside the bed, CD cases, magazines or personal belongings in the bathroom. Very few people will have their DNA on file, however DNA gathered from close relatives will be able to help with the identification and where this is not possible, samples can be taken from items such as hairbrushes from the victim’s home. This information is entered into PlassData for comparison against PM data. Both PM and AM forms can be downloaded from the Interpol website

Identification Reconciliation Process

Once the PM and AM data is entered into PlassData, the system conducts an automatic search to identify possible matches. These are then verified by a member of the reconciliation team to confirm the identity of a victim. All information used in the process is then compiled and presented to the Reconciliation Board.

Identification Board

The board which is made up of specialists from all areas of forensic and investigative expertise, meets regularly to consider and approve victim identifications made through the DVI process. Once identification is confirmed, a death certificate is then issued for the individual, enabling the remains to be released to the next of kin.

How much has the TTVI operation cost to run?

It is difficult to give an exact cost for the TTVI operation, as the costs to individual countries which have provided personnel to support the DVI process, both in Thailand and in their home country are not known. However, the Royal Thai Police estimate the operation in Thailand has cost approximately three billion baht.

When will the remaining identifications be made?

It is impossible to say when the identification process will be completed, as a match can only be made when all the ante mortem information is provided to the TTVI IMC. Obviously the remaining identifications are the harder ones to make as the easier AM/PM information matches have already been made and the victims identified.

How many victims from each country affected have been identified?

The IMC can only provide statistics on the total number of identifications made through the DVI process. By the end of 2005, the work of the TTVI-IMC had led to the identification of nearly 3,000 victims out of a total of 3,750 recorded in the DVI system. For information on the number of victims for each country please contact the authorities of the nations concerned.