The complaint was lodged yesterday (Jan 19) at the Phuket Provincial Complaint Center, located at Phuket Provincial Hall, where representatives of tour boat operators from Chalong Bay met with provincial officials to raise concerns over losses to their property and livelihoods following the Jan 7 fire.
The complaint was received by Ekkapop Buathuan, Senior Legal Officer of the Phuket Provincial Complaint Center, on behalf of the Damrongtham Center (Provincial Ombudsman’s Office).
Representing the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), Charan Khwankaew, Head of the Strategy and Management Group and Acting Director of DDPM Phuket, outlined the government’s procedures for assisting those affected.
Mr Charan explained that the process includes fact-finding, consideration of whether the area should be formally declared a disaster zone, and the application of criteria for compensation and assistance, to ensure that support is provided fairly and in accordance with regulations.
Boat operators told officials that the fire had severely disrupted normal business operations, resulting in loss of income and significant additional expenses. They urged the province to provide comprehensive relief measures and to expedite the investigation to establish the cause of the fire.
They also called for transparency, accountability and fairness throughout the investigation and assistance process.
In response, the Phuket Provincial Damrongtham Center confirmed that the province would accelerate coordination with relevant agencies and closely follow the investigation being conducted by Chalong Police Station.
Officials explained that the case would be considered under two possible frameworks.
Firstly, if the investigation determines that the fire was caused by an individual, the case would be treated as a criminal offence. In that event, the Phuket Provincial Justice Office would act as the lead agency in supporting the justice process, coordinating with the Office of the Public Prosecutor under the Legal Protection and Assistance scheme to safeguard the rights of affected boat operators.
Secondly, if the fire is determined to be an act of God, assistance would be provided under the disaster relief guidelines of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. DDPM Phuket is currently coordinating with central government agencies regarding compensation, pending formal disaster area and assistance zone declarations.
The Damrongtham Center accepted the operators’ complaint and advised them to submit written requests clearly outlining their assistance needs, enabling the province to integrate relevant agencies and take targeted action.
Provincial officials noted that Phuket had already convened meetings to discuss assistance for affected boat operators, acting as a liaison between government agencies regarding funding sources and business recovery measures.
As part of those efforts, the Phuket Provincial Office of the Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion (OSMEP) has opened registration for affected entrepreneurs seeking access to soft loans through the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SMEs Bank), including the SME One ID loan programme. Several operators have already submitted applications, with agencies expediting reviews in line with established criteria.
Insurance coverage remains limited among the affected boats. The Phuket Provincial Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) confirmed it has coordinated with Muang Thai Insurance Plc and Ergo Insurance (Thailand) Plc to inspect damage, though payouts remain pending the outcome of the police investigation.
In addition, Thai Pattana Insurance Plc has provided initial assistance of B5,000 per boat to owners of seven insured vessels. Of the 24 boats damaged in the fire, only six were insured, officials confirmed.
The OIC said it will continue efforts to raise awareness and educate marine tourism entrepreneurs about the importance of insurance coverage.
The Jan 7 fire near Chalong Pier damaged 24 speedboats belonging to 13 operators, with losses initially estimated at about B40 million. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Chalong Police.
Authorities have reiterated that assistance and compensation will proceed in line with investigation findings, while coordination continues to support affected businesses and restore confidence in Phuket’s marine tourism sector.