Thailand blames Chinese tour operators for Phoenix boat sinking
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, on July 9, blamed Chinese tour operators for the death of more than 40 people in a boat accident off a resort island last weekend.
Thai paramedic personnel attend to rescued passengers from a capsized tourist boat in rough seas at a port in Phuket. (Source: AFP)
Bangkok (VNA) – Thai DeputyPrime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, on July 9, blamed Chinese tour operators for thedeath of more than 40 people in a boat accident off a resort island lastweekend.
The official criticised themfor not respecting Thai safety regulations. He said did not heed waternings,but did not go on to elaborate.
The boat, the Phoenix, wentdown in rough seas on July 5 off Phuket island with 101 people on board,including 89 tourists, all but two of whom were from China.
Previously, authorities had saidthe boat was carrying 105 people. They later revised the figure saying thatsome of those booked did not join the trip.
Phuket provincial governorNoraphat Plodthong told a news conference that there are 10 people stillmissing.
In an urgent circular issuedon July 7, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism said travel companies acrossChina should carry out security checks against hidden risks to ensure travelsafety during the summer period. It also stressed the importance of researchingonline travel companies when booking overseas trips. Many of the touristsinvolved in the Phuket accident booked their trips independently via onlinetourism platforms, the ministry said.
The Phoenix was among severalboats that appeared to have ignored a severe weather warning to take touristson day-trips to smaller islands off Phuket.
Thailand’s tourism ministrysaid it would give 1 million THB (30,202 USD) in compensation to each of thevictims’ families. -VNA
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Thai paramedic personnel attend to rescued passengers from a capsized tourist boat in rough seas at a port in Phuket. (Source: AFP) 
