PHUKET – A major fire erupted at Chalong Pier in Phuket’s Chalong Bay in the early hours of Wednesday morning, destroying 22 speedboats and causing significant disruption to the island’s tourist transport network. Preliminary damage estimates range from 38 to 100 million baht.

Three passenger boats destroyed in a fire on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River

The blaze was reported around 4:00 a.m. by the Phuket Tourist Assistance Center. Firefighters dispatched more than a dozen fire engines and specialized fire boats to the scene, where flames spread rapidly among the tightly moored vessels. After several hours of intense efforts, the fire was brought under control, though crews remained on site to monitor for hotspots.

No injuries or fatalities have been reported. Police and forensic teams have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Over 20 speedboats damaged in fire at Chalong Pier
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At around 4am on Wednesday, January 7, authorities at Chalong Police Station and rescue officers were alerted to a fire at Chalong Pier, Phuket. The blaze quickly spread, damaging more than 20 speedboats.
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Firefighters worked… pic.twitter.com/HBSPo65PAC

— Thenationthailand (@Thenationth) January 7, 2026

The incident has severely impacted tourism operations, as Chalong Pier is a key departure point for daily island-hopping and snorkeling tours. Affected operators reported that thousands of tourists—each typically spending between 1,000 and 1,500 baht per trip—were left stranded this morning when the remaining available boats proved insufficient to meet demand. Many tour programs have been suspended indefinitely.

While some companies secured alternative vessels to continue limited operations, the scale of the damage has created widespread logistical challenges for drivers, crew members, and related businesses. Local operators described the fire as the most destructive the area has ever experienced.

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A full assessment of the financial impact, including vessel valuations and tourism losses, is ongoing.

-Thailand News (TN)