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Pre-Dawn Phuket Blaze Destroys 22 Tourist Speedboats at Chalong Bay

Officials say an explosion on a single vessel likely started the fire, which remains under investigation.

Overview

  • A hotel security guard reported flames around 4 a.m. local time, and no injuries have been reported.
  • Firefighters deployed more than a dozen engines and fireboats, with low tide complicating access to the burning craft.
  • All affected boats were fully fueled for tours, accelerating the spread as crews worked to separate nearby vessels.
  • Boat operators said thousands of tourists were left without transport, disrupting trips to nearby islands.
  • Authorities cautioned people to stay out of the water due to debris and oil traces as cleanup continues, and early damage estimates range from about 38 million baht to roughly €2.7 million.