The Phuket News understands that the collision was between a speedboat owned by Seastar company, Vita 2 – full of some 40 tourists and on the return leg to Phuket from Koh Phi Phi – and a Thai fishing boat, Ouan Laak (อวนลาก). The passengers were being rescued by Thai Navy personell and emergency supporting rescue crews, with some arriving to Rassada Pier at 6pm.
The Phuket News also understands that rescued passengers are all being brought back to Rassada Pier.
The Phuket News will update this page as more details become available.
UPDATE: Of the total 46 passengers affected, 37 are a mix of Chinese, Europe and Korean tourists, four are Thai boat crew / skippers, two are tour guides, one is a photographer and the two tourists who are still missing are thought to be Koreans.
UPDATE (7pm): Police have yet to confirm the number of dead.
UPDATE (7pm): Reports surfacing that the collision happened at 4pm, but rescue teams weren't notified until 5pm.
UPDATE 8pm. 41 of 43 tourists confirmed rescued and on shore. 2 missing are Korean, man and woman. Search called off due to darkness, will resume tomorrow.
Cause blaimed on wrevkless steering by a Mr Surat Matorot, 36.
On the scene reporting by Eakapop Thongtub, Suthicha Sirirat and Saran Mitrarat