Fines have been issued for a speeding boat that failed to slow down and collided in the middle of Mae Ngad Dam within Sri Lanna National Park, Chiang Mai, injuring tourists visiting the unseen attraction "Giant Chamchaya Tree." Authorities found one boat operating without a license, running illegally.
The incident involved a widely shared online video warning from tourists who took their family on a boat trip to the unseen "Giant Chamchaya Tree" at Mae Ngad Dam in Sri Lanna National Park, Chiang Mai. Operators were driving boats at high speed amid heavy fog, leading to a collision with another boat, causing injuries onboard and sparking public criticism.
At 14:00 on 7 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Sri Lanna National Park officials summoned the drivers of all three boats involved in the collision at Mae Ngad Somboon Dam, Chiang Mai, to question them and investigate the incident.
Mr. Anon Kulnil, head of Sri Lanna National Park, said that upon questioning, a boat driver named Mr. Kam (alias), 53, stated that he and another driver, Mr. Mee (alias), 53, were transporting tourists returning from visiting the Giant Chamchaya Tree. As they were approaching the pier, a boat driven by Mr. Daeng, 56, cut closely in front of them, making it impossible to control the boat, resulting in a collision that injured tourists' elbows and caused a tourist's phone to fall into the water.
After the incident, rescue teams from Phrao Wanghin were contacted to transport the injured tourists to the hospital. However, the tourists chose to go to a hospital in the city on their own. The boat driver admitted negligence in driving and inadequate care of the tourists.
Following the accident, the driver contacted the insurance company but did not follow up on the injured tourists' condition due to the high number of visitors that day. Nevertheless, he apologized to the injured tourists and promised to prevent similar incidents in the future.
After questioning, Sri Lanna National Park officials issued a formal warning stating that if such an incident happens again, the operators' licenses will be revoked. All tour boat guides will be reorganized, and if incidents persist, the park may close the tourist site.
Meanwhile, officials from the Chiang Mai Regional Marine Office inspected the scene and verified the boat owners' licenses. Two boats were fined 5,000 baht each for speeding beyond limits under Section 100 of the 1913 Marine Act, while one boat was fined 10,000 baht for operating without a license.
