Picture courtesy of ThaiRath

Authorities have fined operators after three tourist boats collided at Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam in Sri Lanna National Park, Chiang Mai, injuring tourists and raising safety concerns over unlicensed and speeding vessels. The incident occurred as visitors were travelling to and from the popular “giant chamcha tree” attraction, with one boat found to be operating without a permit.

The collision took place amid heavy fog, when boat operators were reportedly travelling at high speed despite limited visibility. As a result of the impact, at least one tourist suffered an elbow injury and a mobile phone fell into the water, prompting emergency coordination although the injured visitor later chose to seek medical treatment in Chiang Mai city themselves.

The case emerged after a warning video recorded by tourists was widely shared on social media, criticising unsafe boat operations within the dam area. The footage sparked public debate over safety standards for tourist boat services operating inside national parks.

On 7 January 2026 at around 2.00 pm, officials from Sri Lanna National Park summoned the drivers of all three boats involved for questioning. According to Anon Kulnil, Head of Sri Lanna National Park, two operators, Mr Kham, aged 53 and Mr Mee, aged 53, said they were returning from the giant chamcha tree (rain tree) when another boat, driven by Mr Daeng, aged 56, cut across them at close range, making the collision unavoidable.

Mr Kham admitted negligence in operating the boat and acknowledged that tourist safety had not been adequately ensured. He said insurance was contacted after the incident but there was no follow-up on the injured tourist’s condition, citing the high number of visitors on the day of the collision and he formally apologised to those affected.

Park officials issued written warnings to the operators, stating that any repeat incident could result in the revocation of operating licences. Authorities also said all tour boat guides would be reorganised and regulated again, with the possibility of closing the tourist site if similar incidents continue.

Officials from the Chiang Mai Regional Marine Department also inspected the boats and checked licences. Two boats were fined 5,000 baht each for exceeding speed limits under Section 100 of the 1913 Navigation Act, while a third boat was fined 10,000 baht for operating without a licence.

ThaiRath reported that authorities said stricter enforcement and monitoring would be implemented to prevent further accidents. Park officials stressed that safety measures must be followed, particularly during poor weather conditions and periods of heavy tourist traffic.

Key Takeaways

• Three tourist boats collided at Mae Ngat Dam on 7 January 2026, injuring visitors during foggy conditions.

• Two boats were fined 5,000 baht for speeding, while one unlicensed boat was fined 10,000 baht.

• Authorities warned that repeat offences could lead to licence revocations or site closure.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thairath 2026-01-09

 

 

Seems licence revocations don't matter? Someone with no licence seems okay to operate until something goes wrong? The usual lack of enforcement perhaps?

Never heard of the giant chamcha tree. Not in Google maps too.

The collision took place amid heavy fog, when boat operators were reportedly travelling at high speed despite limited visibility.

Captains my arse... showing contempt for safety regulations and peoples lives.

Thailand should be ashamed of itself... but hey, it's the same on the roads.

Any form of transportation is a lottery.