The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the body of Eilís Finnegan has been identified in Thailand.
Ms Finnegan, from Ballyfermot in Dublin, is the first Irish victim of the tsunami.
The 27-year old had arrived Phi Phi Island with her boyfriend Barry, only 40 minutes before a giant tidal wave hit the shore.
Ms Finnegan, a 27-year-old former flight attendant, had been travelling since December 14th. She and her boyfriend planned to go to Argentina but chose Thailand because few flights were available.
A statement issued by her family tonight said:
"The family wish to thank the friends of Eilís and of the family, Department of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador Dan Mulhall and his staff, who have been very supportive and helpful throughout this difficult time, members of the Garda Síochána, and everyone who assisted the family in any way in the past week."
Most especially the family wish to express thier sincerest appreciation and thanks to Barry and his family for his tireless efforts to re-unite Eilís with us. We would also like to thank Barry's family for all their tremendous efforts and support."
Meanwhile the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern, extended his condolences to the family saying,
"I want to extend, on my own behalf and that of the Government, my most sincere condolences to Eilís' family and to her boyfriend, Barry Murphy."
"This announcement brings an end to a terrible period of uncertainty and worry for the Finnegans and for Eilís' many close friends. As they come to terms with their tragic loss, I would appeal for them to be allowed to grieve in peace and in privacy," he added.