PHUKET, THAILAND – After a deadly speedboat crash and a major fire at a key pier, the province of Phuket announced sweeping safety reforms for its marine tourism sector.
Deadly collision off Phi Phi Island
On 11 January, a tour speedboat collided with a fishing trawler near Koh Phi Phi, killing a 17-year-old Russian tourist and injuring at least 20 others. The speedboat “Koravich Marine” of the company “A Time Company” struck the fishing vessel “Pichai Samut 1” about five nautical miles off the popular island group, with 55 people on board, including 50 tourists. Among the passengers were 33 Russian nationals, eight from Kazakhstan, four from Uzbekistan, two from Kyrgyzstan, three Poles, one Briton and four Thais; the Phi Phi area was described as one of the busiest destinations for maritime day trips.
Boat driver charged and drug use alleged
The speedboat’s driver, a 44-year-old man named Suriya, was charged with negligent homicide by Phi Phi police chief Pol. Col. Atthawat Suwannarat. He also faced allegations of illegal possession and use of methamphetamine, after authorities reported evidence of drug use. Phuket Marine Office director Adoon Raluekmoon stressed that this was considered only a secondary factor, saying that structural problems needed to be addressed through consistent prevention and control.
Massive fire destroys 24 tour boats in Chalong
On 7 January, another serious incident occurred in Chalong Bay, a central departure point for island tours, when a fire near Chalong Pier destroyed 24 speedboats belonging to 13 tour operators. The damage was estimated at more than 40 million baht. The blaze reportedly started on a tour speedboat operated by Nikorn Marine and then spread to other vessels, while forensic investigators examined the cause, with an electrical fault regarded as likely.
Authorities review past incidents and practices
Director Adoon pointed to similarities with previous fires in the area and said the marine authority was reviewing historical data on mooring practices, electrical systems, refuelling procedures and company operations. According to officials, the incidents exposed long-standing structural deficits in the marine tourism sector that could not be resolved with short-term measures.
New rules for operators and crews
Adoon announced a package of reforms to be implemented within one to two weeks. The measures included a ban on tour speedboats staying overnight on the beach, stricter rules for anchoring in ports and bays, more intensive technical inspections, mandatory drug tests for crew members, expanded training for crews and significantly tougher penalties for safety violations. Boats with a history of accidents were to face more frequent checks and operational restrictions, and a new “Safe Boat” rating system was to be introduced to help tourists choose providers perceived as safer.
Stronger penalties and transparency
Repeated violations by operators were to lead to graduated sanctions, up to suspension or revocation of licences. Adoon stated that failure to comply with inspections would have both administrative and criminal consequences. Authorities were also examining how to make information about incidents more transparent without jeopardising ongoing investigations, with the restoration of confidence in Phuket as a marine tourism destination at the centre of the reforms.
Warning to the sector
Adoon described the recent events as a wake-up call for the entire sector, warning that unresolved structural problems could lead to further accidents, loss of life, economic damage for companies and lasting reputational harm for Phuket.
“All these measures aim at one thing,”
said Adoon Raluekmoon, Phuket Marine Office director.
“That travel on the water in Phuket is properly controlled, properly supervised and truly safe.”
said Adoon Raluekmoon, Phuket Marine Office director.