Samut Prakan:A boat collision during the Bang Phli Lotus Festival in Samut Prakan province resulted in several boats sinking in the canal, leaving passengers floating in the water and injuring seven individuals.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred late last night at 2130 on October 23, 2026, in Khlong Samrong, Bang Phli District. The collision caused a boat to sink, injuring seven passengers, including a child. Rescue efforts were promptly initiated, with the Bang Phli disaster relief team and municipal officials using flat-bottomed boats to bring the victims to safety. The injured were subsequently transported to the shore and handed over to volunteer rescuers from the Po Teck Tung Bang Phli Foundation for further assistance before being taken to the hospital.

The boat driver whose vessel sank reported that he was navigating in his designated channel when another boat approached from the opposite direction, leading to a violent collision. Witnesses noted that the other boat left the scene immediately after the crash. Both boat drivers have filed police reports, and authorities are investigating the cause of the incident. No charges have been filed yet as the Marine Department is considered the primary injured party and is awaiting official notification.

Residents along the Samrong Canal have expressed concerns about speeding and noisy boats. In response, the Marine Department is planning discussions with relevant agencies to address boat speed regulation, reduce noise pollution, and prevent future accidents, particularly during the Bang Phli Lotus Festival.