Minister Orders Warning Buoys After Similan Fishing Boat Capsizes
Natural Resources Minister Suchat Chomklin ordered warning buoys installed at the site where a fishing boat capsized in the Similan Islands near Phang Nga. All eight crew members were rescued safely, and authorities are salvaging the vessel while implementing measures to prevent future accidents in the busy tourist waterway.
Following the incident, Minister Suchat ordered the Mu Ko Similan National Park to inspect the area and immediately carry out preventive measures. Officials installed warning buoys and signs at the capsizing site, which lies west of Island No. 8 on the sailing route between Island No. 4 (Ko Miang) and Island No. 8 (Ko Similan). Tour boat operators were also warned to exercise extra caution when passing through the area.
In addition, authorities coordinated with Marine Department Region 3, the Phang Nga Regional Port Office, and the boat owner to salvage the sunken vessel from the navigation channel as quickly as possible. Officials have been assigned to monitor the site continuously.
Minister Suchat stressed that public and tourist safety is paramount, especially in marine tourist areas with heavy vessel traffic. All agencies must remain vigilant, respond swiftly when incidents occur, and put preventive measures in place to avoid recurrence. He instructed officials to work closely with relevant agencies so that the public and tourists can travel with confidence while marine natural resources are conserved sustainably.
