Ploypailin Jensen traveled to the region to pay homage at the spot where the body of her 21-year-old brother Bhumi Jensen was found in the aftermath of the December 26 killer waves.

Bhumi is the son of Princess Ubolratana and her estranged American husband Peter Jensen. He was holidaying with his mother at the time but she was safe.

The monarchy is revered in Thailand and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has called Bhumi's death "a national tragedy."

A somber Ploypailin laid a garland of flowers on a stake at the site, placed her hands together in a "wai" -- a traditional Thai gesture of respect -- and observed a moment's silence.

"It's hard to say. The hotel where he was killed is gone. It's totally destroyed, there's nothing left," Ploypailin told AFP afterwards.

The royal party also visited a refugee camp outside Nam Khem, a fishing village where thousands of people are missing after the disaster.

About 500 families have been living in tents there since their homes were obliterated by the waves, which killed more than 5,300 people in Thailand.

Hundreds of refugees lined the entryway to welcome Ploypailin and her cousin, Princess Siribhachudhabhorn, who helped hand out sacks of soap, rice and instant noodles.

Ploypailin, clad in blue jeans and sport shoes, a black t-shirt and baseball cap, inspected the temporary housing being built for refugees.

"It is absolutely devastating," she said of the destruction. "I cannot even believe that anything like this could ever happen.

"The royal family is doing all it can to help the people of Thailand, who were devastated by this tragedy."

She also said she was impressed with the pace of renovations underway and the scope of aid to those affected.

"I'm surprised at how quickly they are clearing the debris and rebuilding again," she said.

Pim Samutwhary, a 40-year-old refugee, said she appreciated the visit.

"This is the first time I have seen a princess. I feel that the royal family cares for the Thai people," she said.

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