Two years after the Indian Ocean tsunami slammed into Thailand's Andaman coast, killing more than 8,200 holidaymakers, hotel workers and residents, a "for sale" sign touts the "outstanding resort/hotel site" where the luxurious Anantara Resort & Spa once stood.

Immediately after the tsunami, which left the stunning coast area of Khao Lak just north of Phuket littered with the wreckage of up-market hotels, the Anantara's owners ruled out talk of rebuilding their own devastated complex, a collection of 56, $250-per-night pool villas, where seven guests and three staff perished.