Speaking at a press conference, Mr Voradej Harnprasert said preliminary investigations showed there was a fire inside the engine room at the boat’s stern while all rescue appliances were enough for all passengers and in a ready-to-use condition including life jackets and extinguishers.
Only 115 passengers were on board during the fire, less than the boat’s limit of 215 passengers.
The Marine Department has ordered the boat operator, Ao Nang Travel and Tour Co, to salvage the boat off Krabi's sea bed within 30 days for further investigation.
Read original story on the fire here.