Passenger Panupon Rattanakornpanya, 44, told Thai Rath Online, that crew members told him and his wife and child that a fire had broken out and ordered everyone to gather at the bow.
“The fire then grew stronger. Everyone was in a panic. Some were crying. Many grabbed jackets and passed them on to others before we jumped into the water,” he said.
Mr Songpol said the ferry was equipped with fire extinguishers, "but in this case it appeared [the crew] were not able to control the blaze and this must be investigated again".
The sunken ferry was operated by Ao Nang Travel and Tour Co.