CHON BURI – A 12-year old Russian boy on Thursday succumbed to injuries he sustained escaping from the tourist ferry that sank about 1.5 kilometres offshore from Pattaya, raising the death toll to seven, three Thais and four foreigners.
Tourist Police chief Apichai Theamart, said the child passed away at Samitivej Hospital Si Racha from water intoxication while his mother, whose name was withheld, is out of danger and recovering at the hospital.
According to staff at the hospital, the boy never regained consciousness and developed respiratory problems and swelling of the brain.
The mother urged Thailand to improve transport safety, such as giving stringent training to pilots, to ensure that similar incidents do not happen again.
She said her family had suffered a great loss.
Of the 18 injured, eight have been allowed to go home while the rest are recovering at the Pattaya Memorial Hospital, Bangkok Pattaya Hospital and Samitivej Hospital Si Racha, said Pol Maj Gen Apichai.
Last Sunday evening, a double-decker ferry carrying around 200 travelers capsized while returning about 200 sightseers from a day trip to Koh Larn.
Saman Kwanmuang, the captain of the boat, turned himself in to police several hours after the incident occurred. He allegedly confessed the vessel hit a group of rocks after he had navigated off course due to drug influence.
A large amount of water poured in through holes created by the collision, he said. He attempted to fix the problem but to no avail.
After about 10 minutes, the passengers noticed something was wrong and began to panic. Quarrels broke out on board because there were not enough life jackets, causing the boat to overturn and eventually sink, Mr Saman allegedly told police.