Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

HOME // Islands // Crackdown on ‘top heavy’ long-tail boats in Krabi

Crackdown on ‘top heavy’ long-tail boats in Krabi

Krabi modified long-tail boat
PHOTO: Krabi modified long-tail boat

According to an article in Matichon newspaper on February 16, the Marine Department’s office in Krabi is ordering inspections of around 70-80 modified long-tail boats after three of them capsized in two months, resulting in the deaths of two foreign tourists and multiple injuries.

One of the earlier stories HERE.

The director of the Marine Department’s Krabi office, Mr. Mana Nuanwan, explained that the owners of these boats had replaced the original steel-framed canvas roof with a heavy wooden one to accommodate VIP tourists in a more comfortable ‘cabin’.

But this modification has led to an increase in the boats’ weight, wind resistance and weight balance, making them more prone to capsizing. Some of the boats had added ‘balance boards’ on the sides of the hull to minimise tipping from side to side but had little effect on the boats tendency to capsize.

The modified long-tail boats are located at Ao Nang, Nong Thale, and Tha Lane bays, Khao Thong, Mueang Krabi and Phi Phi Islands.

The Marine Department’s engineers will inspect the boats and instruct the owners to make modifications if necessary. This includes adjusting the height of the roof and the width of the windows on both sides. Boats that are at least 23 meters long will be allowed to switch to a wooden roof.

The boat owner’s license will not be renewed if they allow tourists to sit on the roof of the boat and do not wear a life jacket while onboard.

Marine officials aim to complete this inspection before the Thai Songkran holidays in April.

SOURCE: Thai Newsroom

Advertisement Phuket Go Advertisement sidebar_1

TRENDING

5 Star Marine Phuket

You May Also Like

National News

UPDATE: There has been another NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) issued in the past 24 hours which changes Item 5, which MAY provide an...

Phuket News

Tuesday, October 3, 2023 – Phuket weather and tide report (9am) An overcast and occasionally wet day ahead. The rain returns and will continue...

Phuket News

While many Russians have been investing in villas and homes in Thailand, there are also thousands of Russians and Ukrainians who are stranded in...

National News

UPDATE: Monday 3pm – Thai Public Health minister Anutin Charnvirakul has CANCELLED the need to provide proof of Covid vaccination certificates before entering Thailand on...