Two drivers charged for James Bond Island boat collision

Shela Riva

 

Tourists from the 'Wararat' tour boat are treated at a hospital in Phang Nga. Photo: Phang Nga DDPM

 

PHUKET: -- Police have confirmed that two drivers of tour boats involved in a collision at Khao Hua Yai, west of James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay on Monday (July 31) have been charged in relation to the incident.

 

Takua Thung Police Deputy Chief Investigator Lt Col Somkhit Khaosang confirmed to The Phuket News yesterday (Aug 3) that Mr Muhammad Fong-la-ae, 68, from Panyi Island, the driver of the Wararat tour boat was charged with exceeding the maximum capacity of a vessel as his boat had a maximum capacity of 16 people, he had 19 passengers on board.

 

While Mr Suthin Sutthakit, 43, from the Thap Put district of Phang Nga, who was the driver of the 999 Tour 41 tour boat hit by Suthin’s vessel tour boat was charged for not having the correct licence to drive a tour boat, confirmed Col Somkhit.

 

Full story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/two-drivers-charged-for-james-bond-island-boat-collision-63314.php

 

-- © Copyright Phuket News 2017-08-04

So they are called drivers - like in a bus driver? They should be qualified seamen with at the very least some sort of helmsman qualification. But we are in Thailand  .....zzzzzzzzzzzz

It is quite stunning for a country that relies so heavily on tourism to allow so many of its tour operators to be unlicensed, unregulated, uninsured and blatantly ignoring safety regulations. One wonders how bad an incident will be needed before long overdue action is taken to stop so many fly-by-night operators.

But nobody was charged with dangerous driving or causing a collision

2 hours ago, MarkusAUST said:

unlicensed, unregulated, uninsured

 

The longtailed boats have to be licensed and carry insurance (I was told 15,000 Baht coverage.......) before they can take tourists.