The fire broke out in the early hours of Jan 7 on a single speedboat moored at Chalong Pier before strong winds rapidly spread the flames to neighbouring vessels. In total, 24 speedboats were destroyed, with the damage estimated at more than B100 million.
Despite police investigators completing their initial examination of the scene and local officials beginning a clean-up operation shortly after the incident, several burnt hulls remain on the beach. Operators and local residents say the charred remains produce an unpleasant burnt smell, particularly when the wind blows, detracting from the area’s appearance and affecting both residents and tourists.
A group of affected operators gathered at the Phuket Provincial Hall on Monday (Feb 9) to demand clarity on the investigation and on the financial assistance and compensation they say they were promised. However, they were told only to wait for forensic results to determine the cause of the fire, which remains officially undetermined.
Ms Suphannee, owner of Racha Island Resort Boats, said two of her vessels were destroyed in the fire, with losses estimated at more than B8 million, reports the Bangkok Post.
“There has been no clear progress in the investigation and no progress in compensation or relief,” she said. “Many operators are left bankrupt and have no working capital. Old debts remain while new debts grow. We have to rent boats to transport tourists just to get through each day.”
Mr Somyot, of Raya Princess Boats, and Mr Thaworn, of Jurairat Boats, said they had little hope of receiving compensation for the destruction of their vessels, which were their sole source of income. Both questioned why an incident with such wide impacts on livelihoods, tourism and the coastal environment appeared to have stalled.
“Will anyone ever be held responsible for the massive damage?” one operator asked.
Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong met with the complainants and said a meeting had been scheduled with relevant agencies to allow boat operators to present information and seek resolution of their complaints.
Mr Adul added that the removal of the remaining wreckage – believed to be about four boats – should be completed within a week. Authorities would also coordinate to ensure the owner of the speedboat where the blaze originated meets with police investigators as part of the ongoing inquiry, he said.
Meanwhile, local authorities have begun coordinating efforts to finally clear the remaining wrecks from Chalong Bay beach. Rawai Mayor Thames Kraithat along with Chainiwat Saisuwann of Chalong Municipality visited the beach and held discussions with local business operators yesterday (Feb 10).
The meeting focused on jointly planning the salvage and removal of the remaining four fire-damaged speedboats in order to restore the scenery, safety and orderliness of Chalong Bay.
Mayor Thames said Rawai Municipality would work with Chalong Municipality and other relevant agencies to assist with moving the wreckage from the beach area.
Chalong Municipality confirmed it is prioritising the rehabilitation of coastal areas and is ready to integrate cooperation with relevant agencies to support affected operators and protect the image of Phuket’s marine tourism sector.
However, operators say until the investigation concludes and compensation or financial support is delivered, many small businesses remain on the brink of collapse, more than a month after the fire wiped out their primary means of earning a living.