In a joint effort, Mr. Narong Vunsiw, Governor of Phuket, along with high-ranking officials such as Maj. Gen. Suphaset Chokchai of the TAT, Police Maj. Gen. Sermphan Sirikong of the Phuket Provincial Police, Dr. Weerasak Lorthongkam, Director of Vachira Phuket Hospital, Mrs. Ratchadaporn Oin from Phuket Tourism and Sports, and representatives from relevant agencies, held a press conference addressing the recent speedboat accident involving the “Thanathip Marine 555” tour. The boat collided with a signal pole located approximately 100 meters from Ao Chalong Pier, resulting in numerous injuries.
The incident, which took place near the shoreline, left 37 victims, including 4 Thais, 21 Russians, 9 Kazakhstans, 1 Hong Kong national, 1 Chinese national, and 1 Ukrainian. The injured were swiftly attended to by officials from various agencies who promptly transported them to various hospitals across Phuket for treatment.
The victims received medical care at different facilities, including 10 cases at Vachira Phuket Hospital, 9 cases at Chalong Hospital, 2 cases at Debuk Hospital, 5 cases at Siriroj Hospital, 2 cases at Bangkok Hospital, 5 cases at Mission Hospital, and 2 cases at Phuket Administrative Organization Hospital.
Regarding the financial aspect, under the Boat Act, medical expenses of 15,000 baht per person will be covered. Additionally, the victims have accident insurance from Thai Pattana Insurance Company, which provides coverage for medical expenses up to 500,000 baht per person in case of injury.
The Phuket Provincial Tourism and Sports Office, along with the Tourist Police and the Southern Branch of the Tourism and Guide Business Registration Region 2, have dispatched interpreters to assist and facilitate communication for the affected victims. Furthermore, coordination with the respective consulates of the affected individuals has been established to provide necessary support.
Moving forward, the Phuket Provincial Police will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, focusing on the boat’s driver and any potential negligence. The findings will serve as crucial evidence for future legal proceedings in accordance with the law.
As the authorities work diligently to aid the victims and ascertain the causes of the incident, the safety and well-being of tourists visiting Phuket remain a top priority for the local administration.
