KOH KUT, Thailand — A idyllic island-hopping trip turned into a nightmare for a vacationing family when their chartered speedboat exploded in flames off Thailand’s eastern coast, forcing them to leap into open waters to escape the fire.

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The harrowing incident occurred yesterday afternoon as the vessel—carrying two parents and their young children—returned from a snorkeling excursion to Koh Rad. Without warning, the boat’s engine detonated near the stern, sending flames racing across the deck.

“We heard a loud bang, then saw fire everywhere,” recounted 18-year-old captain Suphawat, who holds a valid license. His 19-year-old crewman Monwat suffered second-degree burns to his face and arms while helping the terrified tourists don life jackets before all six aboard plunged into the Andaman Sea.

A nearby fishing boat spotted the smoke and plucked the shivering family from the water, while Sawang Boon Chuea Foundation rescuers rushed Monwat to Koh Kood Hospital. The blazing speedboat later sank in 15-meter-deep waters near Ban Khlong Mad.

At least two people were injured after a tourist boat carrying a family of four caught fire off the shores of Koh Kut in Trat province on Friday.

Listen to the story or get the full story in the 1st comment.#kohkud #kohkut #tourists #touristboat #boat #trat #เกาะกูด pic.twitter.com/FLpLZr5BWU

— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) April 11, 2025

Koh Kood District Chief Pairat Sroisaeng confirmed the boat passed recent mechanical checks, calling it a “freak accident.” However, authorities immediately:

✔️ Issued island-wide safety alerts to tour operators
✔️ Emphasized mandatory fire drill training
✔️ Launched probe into engine failure causes

The family, guests at Koh Kood Cabana Hotel, escaped physically unharmed but traumatized. “This could’ve been catastrophic during Songkran’s tourist surge,” noted marine safety expert Dr. Panya Laosirikul, highlighting that 60% of Thai tour boats lack proper fire suppression systems.

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As investigators examine whether fuel leaks or electrical faults triggered the blast, the incident serves as a chilling reminder of the risks lurking beneath Thailand’s postcard-perfect marine tourism.

-Thailand News (TN)