Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

A speedboat carrying tourists from Phuket faced a critical situation near Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, on 15 November 2025, when water began flooding the vessel shortly after departing Koh Mai Phai. The boat, carrying 39 people, including 35 tourists, one captain, two crew members and a guide, was at risk of sinking before being safely returned to shore. No injuries were reported.

 

The incident occurred just ten minutes after leaving Koh Mai Phai, when water unexpectedly entered the hull, causing the boat to list and creating immediate danger. Captain S. acted swiftly upon noticing the breach and steered the boat back to Koh Mai Phai, while contacting the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park authorities for assistance. Park officials dispatched two patrol boats to transfer passengers to a larger vessel bound for Phuket.

 

Mr Sirivat Saengchawi, head of the national park, confirmed that the emergency was reported from the west side of Koh Mai Phai. The speedboat’s hull had developed a crack at the rear left side, allowing water to enter rapidly. Prompt action by the captain prevented the situation from escalating into a serious maritime accident.

 

Matichon reported that all 35 passengers were safely transferred to a larger boat without incident. Authorities plan to inspect the vessel further to determine the exact cause of the hull damage. Officials emphasised the importance of routine maintenance and rapid response in maritime safety.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A speedboat near Koh Phi Phi developed a hull crack, prompting emergency evacuation.

• All 39 onboard, including 35 tourists, were safely transferred with no injuries.

• Authorities are investigating the incident to prevent future maritime hazards.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Matichon 2025-11-17

 

 

 

 

Is there no topic that Thailand is focusing on safety for tourists??? I think a lot work has to be done first... Speedboat incident, bus accidents, ladyboys problems etc...

These boats are often made of paper thin fiberglass, usually overpowered and I question the number of passengers which these boats can safely handle. 

15 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Is there no topic that Thailand is focusing on safety for tourists??? I think a lot work has to be done first... Speedboat incident, bus accidents, ladyboys problems etc...

TAT are pushing "Trusted Thailand" at the moment... maybe Safe Thailand will follow shortly

On 11/17/2025 at 5:10 AM, Georgealbert said:

A speedboat carrying tourists from Phuket faced a critical situation n

 Quote AGAIN today:-

 

TAT launches 'Trusted Thailand' mark to rebuild tourist trust

2 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

 Quote AGAIN today:-

 

TAT launches 'Trusted Thailand' mark to rebuild tourist trust

 

Which is just another headline and nothing else. 

 

Its not just 'tourist safety' thats the issue - its safety in general across the whole of Thailand. 

 

But - every year with alarming frequency we read of news of yet another 'boat full of tourists capsizing' or getting into trouble.

 

... Yet another busload of tourists rolling off the road down a ravine - break failure of course.

 

 

It takes effort to control these issues and Thailand is a nation where apathy towards such issues reins supreme. 

Osmosis? 

On 11/17/2025 at 5:36 PM, ikke1959 said:

Is there no topic that Thailand is focusing on safety for tourists??? I think a lot work has to be done first... Speedboat incident, bus accidents, ladyboys problems etc...

Rotten or badly built speed boats have been here for as long as I have, over 20 years and still nothing done.