SURAT THANI — A speedboat packed with foreign tourists capsized near Koh Samui on Thursday evening, throwing everyone on board into the water, with at least two being killed according to some reports.
The Aang Thong Discovery 3 left Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park and was heading to Lomphraya pier near Wat Na Phra Lan on Koh Samui when it capsized at an area known as Lam Khai (Cape Khai) at about 5pm.
The boat carried 32 passengers, 31 of whom were foreigners, and four staff.
Thirty people in the group were quickly rescued by another speedboat which was passing by while the remaining passengers and crew were picked up later by an official rescue boat. Some passengers sustained minor injuries.
The cause of the incident is not yet known. There was no rain at the time, but Lam Khai is known to local sailors for being subjected to powerful winds.
Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Thursday night that he had received a report that two people were killed. No other information was available.