PHUKET: Senior officials at the Phuket Marine Office are not overly concerned that they have been unable to contact the driver of the tour speedboat ‘Thanathip Marine 555’ to answer questions about the boat slamming into a channel marker in Chalong Bay on May 17, injuring 35 tourists.
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew (in blue shirt) joins police officers as tourists injured in the collision on May 17 are admitted to hospital. Photo: PIC / file
Phuket Marine Office Chief Natchapong Pranit told The Phuket News today (May 31) that the punishment his office will dispense over the collision is still under review.
The boat driver, Satit Meschai, faces his boat operating licence being revoked, Mr Natchapong said.
“But they [Phuket marine officials] are waiting for him for an investigation,” he said.
“The licence should be revoked, but the process has not yet been finalised. The licence may be suspended for up to two years before he can appeal,” Mr Natchapong said.
The delay stems from Satit being admitted to hospital for a broken leg sustained in the collision, Mr Natchapong explained.
“Initially he was injured with a broken leg and in hospital, so we could not investigate him. We called him yesterday [May 30] and could not reach him, but we are looking for him for our investigation as we have already investigated everyone else in accordance with regulations under the Maritime Act, including the owner of the boat company, the tour guide, and the passengers,” he continued.
The chief said that the officials are trying to contact the speedboat driver, Satit Maschai, and asking the company’s owner where he lives to reach him and bring him in for an investigation.
Patchara Paopanich, who holds the position of Habour Master at the Phuket Marine Office, told The Phuket news today that Satit was discharged from hospital care on May 20
“Officers have been trying to contact him since then, but have been unsuccessful,” Mr Patchara said.
A formal “invitation” had been issued and sent to Satit’s house on Monday (May 29) to present himself for questioning, Mr Patchara said.
“If he does not turn up within seven days from the day the letter was sent [within June 5], his [boat operator’s] licence will be revoked,” he added.
“We are not worried that he would run away. He is a boat driver and still has to work in the industry, and if he disappears his licence will be revoked.” Mr Patchara said.
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