Phuket —
Provincial officials are pressing forward with a coordinated investigation into the devastating fire that destroyed 24 speedboats at Chalong Bay earlier this year, pushing for transparency, legal integrity, and the protection of tourism confidence.
Our previous story:
Now for the update:
At a meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Adul Chuthong at Chalong Police Station, senior police officers including Pol. Col. Surasak Jaidee, Superintendent of Chalong Police, and Pol. Lt. Col. Chaiwat Chansuwan, Deputy Superintendent (Investigation), joined representatives from relevant agencies to review progress in the case.
Investigators have interviewed eyewitnesses, vessel owners, and other stakeholders, while conducting on-site inspections and collecting scientific evidence. CCTV footage from the vicinity is being analyzed to determine the sequence of events.
In addition, parts of the boats and engines have been sent to specialized forensic units for technical examination.
To ensure a thorough and systematic analysis, Phuket officials have also sought input from academic and technical agencies. The Meteorological Department’s Southern West Coast office has provided data on wind speed, tides, and weather conditions at the time of the fire to support the investigation.
Deputy Governor Adul stressed that all procedures are being carried out in strict accordance with the law and scientific standards. Should the forensic results confirm whether the fire was caused by human action or accident, appropriate legal steps will follow. Authorities pledged that the process will remain fair, transparent, and mindful of both public safety and the confidence of Phuket’s tourism industry.
