Chalong: Police are gathering additional evidence following the fire that destroyed a speedboat in Chalong Bay. Meanwhile, Phuket province is urgently seeking ways to assist and compensate the affected owner. The speedboat owner revealed they are suffering greatly and need clarity on the situation as they are burdened with expenses without any income.

According to Thai News Agency, forensic officers from Phuket Province, along with police from Chalong Police Station, inspected Chalong Bay beach after a fire destroyed 24 speedboats. They are collecting additional evidence, following previous collections of some items and the examination of CCTV footage in the vicinity. Two witnesses have already been interviewed.

Mr. Adul Chuthong, Deputy Governor of Phuket Province, along with relevant officials, held a meeting to consider approaches and relief measures to urgently assist affected businesses. Latest reports indicate that 16 businesses have been affected, with a total of 24 speedboats damaged. The incident site has been declared a disaster area to initiate the assistance process.

The owner of the speedboat, which was 100% damaged, stated that what operators need is clarity, speed in assistance, and clear timelines. Currently, there is only a policy saying they will help, but everything else is still unclear.

What the business owners need most and most directly is financial relief to cover various expenses, not just for food, but for the costs of earning a living. Normally, they earn income from their boats each day, but currently, they have no income at all because there are no boats available to serve customers.

Regarding preventative measures at various ports where ships are docked, local authorities will review their management plans, especially concerning safety. This will include installing additional fire hydrants and CCTV cameras, as well as instructing operators, local administrative officials, village heads, and community leaders to organize patrols to prevent incidents.