Speed Boat Catches Fire and Burns to Ashes: Popular Tour Company Vessel Destroyed, Operator Injured, Damage Estimated Over 4 Million Baht
A speed boat operated by a popular tour company caught fire and burned completely off Bang Saphan Noi in Prachuap Khiri Khan on May 20, destroying a vessel valued at over 4 million baht. The operator sustained burn injuries while attempting
On May 20, 2025, a speed boat belonging to a well-known tour company caught fire and was completely destroyed while anchored offshore in Bang Saphan Noi district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The boat had been moored near the shore due to shallow water conditions that prevented it from docking at the regular pier. The twin-engine vessel, aged 7-8 years, is used to transport tourists from the mainland to Ko Talu and had recently undergone engine repairs. When the boat operator attempted to start the engines to prepare for picking up tourists, a loud explosion-like sound was heard before flames rapidly engulfed the boat. The operator sustained burn injuries to his arms and upper body. Despite his efforts to use the onboard fire extinguisher, he could not control the rapidly spreading fire and was forced to jump overboard to save his life. He was subsequently transported to a hospital. Preliminary damage assessment estimates the loss at 3-4 million baht. All tourists were safely reassigned to another company vessel to continue their tour to Ko Talu with no injuries reported.
