Plus overcrowding, lack of life vests; toll rises to 28
OVERCROWDING, the lack of sufficient life vests and a submerged pole in the river were factors in Sunday's boat accident in the Chao Phaya River in the province of Ayutthaya, the Cabinet heard yesterday.
Government Spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith had informed the Cabinet about factors behind the capsizing, as the death toll rose to 28 yesterday.
"That pole is for a temple pier. When the water level in the river is not high, the pole is visible. But when the waters rise, it is submerged," Sansern said.
The boat's captain, who is now facing charges, said his vessel hit the pole before capsizing.
It is estimated that more than 100 people may have been on the ferry known as Sombatmongkonchai when it partially sank.
The boat, which was hired by a group of Thai-Muslims for a religious trip, capsized late in the afternoon on its return journey.