Tour Boat Sinks Near Cha-am Beach; Tourists and Fishermen Evacuated Safely Before Rain

On the afternoon of August 22, 2026, a long-tail boat carrying tourists capsized near a coral reef off Cha-am Beach, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province, close to the Hua Hin municipal boundary. Cha-am pier rescue teams and local fishermen mobilized to assist all 18 passengers before waves and wind intensified as rain moved into the area. There were no serious injuries or missing persons, but the incident alarmed Thai and foreign visitors who had come to relax on the weekend.

Preliminary statements from the boat owner to rescue units said the fully loaded vessel had left the pier to take tourists to small offshore islands. During the trip, waves struck the hull, causing the stern to take on water rapidly. The bilge pump and engine lifting could not keep up, and the boat partially capsized but the hull did not break. Most passengers were able to stand on the bow or cling to a temporary awning until nearby fishing boats and a naval vessel arrived to assist.

Mr. Praphan, a Cha-am pier fisherman who was among the first responders, said the wind and waves grew strong quickly. He and several other fishermen decided to use the nearest small boats to help. In less than 20 minutes everyone had been evacuated to rescue boats and brought ashore at Cha-am pier. Rescue personnel checked the passengers and found only minor injuries from boarding the rescue boats, such as abrasions and mild shock. They were taken to Cha-am Hospital for further medical checks.

The Phetchaburi Harbor Office ordered a temporary suspension of tourist boat services in the area to inspect vessel conditions, investigate passenger permits, and check safety equipment such as life jackets, bilge systems, and engine standards. Ms. Pongkwan, a marine inspector, said inspections will consider vessel maintenance, crew emergency drills, and weather assessments before departure. The office may restrict services for boats that fail safety criteria until deficiencies are corrected.

The incident has forced local tourism operators to adjust sea tour plans. Some tourists expressed concern about taking boat trips, particularly during increased storms in the late-monsoon season. The temporary suspension also affected income for fishermen who operate passenger boats and businesses that rely on island trips as a primary source of revenue. Meanwhile, Cha-am municipality, together with the tourism association and operators, organized marine safety workshops to train guides and boat captains on sea condition assessment, proper use of life jackets, and emergency route planning.

For tourists, the provincial tourism office advised checking the weather before booking sea trips and choosing vessels with proper licenses and sufficient safety equipment. Travelers were also urged to ask providers about emergency response plans before departure. Authorities said they will finalize the inspection results and announce new measures within a week to reassure residents and visitors in the Hua Hin–Cha-am area.