Police close Chalong speedboat fire investigation without determining cause

Police have closed the criminal investigation into a fire that destroyed or damaged 24 speedboats at Chalong Bay, saying there was insufficient evidence to establish what caused the blaze.

The latest update came at a meeting on 29 September chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Romdon Hayiawae at Phuket Provincial Hall. The meeting was held after affected operators asked the provincial office to coordinate assistance and relief measures.

According to a report by Phuket Provincial Police, investigators inspected the scene and sent physical evidence to forensic units. Police said the evidence was insufficient to conclusively determine the cause, and that the criminal case had ended because of the lack of evidence. The case could be reconsidered if new and sufficient evidence emerges, police said.

Civil proceedings remain active, with mediation sessions scheduled for 7 and 19 October.

The fire began at about 3:48am on 7 January, according to CCTV footage made public after the incident. The footage showed one speedboat catching fire before the flames spread to nearby vessels.

Phuket Marine Office chief Adoon Raluekmoon said in January that the boat where the fire originated had been identified as a Nikorn Marine tour speedboat. He said an electrical fault was suspected at the time, but that no conclusion had been reached. Forensic police were investigating the cause.

The fire destroyed 24 speedboats belonging to 13 tour operators. Initial losses were estimated at about B40 million. The affected operators have sought government assistance and compensation, as well as a faster investigation and greater transparency.

Officials said in January that assistance could depend partly on whether the investigation established individual responsibility or determined that the fire was an unavoidable disaster.

The Phuket Provincial Office said it would continue coordinating with relevant agencies and consider assistance measures within the legal powers of the provincial administration. Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom assigned Romdon to handle the matter.