A dramatic boat collision at the Bang Phli Lotus Receiving Festival in Samrong Canal caused one boat to sink and injured eight people, including an 11-year-old boy. Police are urgently pursuing the fleeing party responsible for the incident.
On 24 Oct 2026 GMT+7, reports stated that at 9:00 p.m. on 23 Oct, a boat collision occurred in Samrong Canal near the Bang Phli Government Complex pier during the Bang Phli Lotus Receiving Festival in Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. The accident caused one boat to sink, leaving passengers struggling in the water awaiting rescue.
Eight people sustained minor injuries, including Mr. Aung Ded Heng, a Myanmar national with a head wound, an 11-year-old girl named Kanyapat, and Ms. Taweethep, 27, who suffered mild bodily injuries and water inhalation. Five others also had minor injuries.
After receiving the report, the Bang Phli Disaster Relief Team and Bang Phli Municipality officials deployed a flat-bottomed boat to assist those floating in the canal. All injured were transported ashore and handed over to Por Teck Tung Foundation volunteers in Bang Phli, who provided aid and took all eight injured to the hospital.
Mr. Udomdet, 44, a witness watching the boats near the scene, said the passenger boat was normally navigating close to the right bank on the driver’s side when the opposing boat entered the same lane, rammed the bow, and grazed the passenger boat, causing it to sink. Passengers had to float until help arrived. Witnesses said the other boat fled the scene immediately after the collision.
Mr. Kasem, 59, one of the injured on the struck boat, said his boat came from the Luang Pho To event heading toward Bang Sao Thong, traveling in the canal’s center. The other boat was normally on the right side but moved into the center to avoid a docked boat, then collided with his boat, causing it to sink and injure passengers as described.
Authorities initially coordinated with relevant agencies to verify facts, track the fleeing boat, and determine the accident’s cause. They also plan to implement measures to prevent similar incidents during this year’s Bang Phli Lotus Receiving Festival.
Thanks to Por Teck Tung Foundation Bang Phli Rescue, Bang Phli Disaster Relief Team, and Volunteer Aama for their assistance.