Safety checks on canal ferries

BANGKOK The local operator of ferries on Bangkok’s Klong Saen Saeb docked fleet of 72 commuter boats following  a gas leak caused an in-board engine to explode on one of its boats Saturday.

National News Bureau of Thailand reported that Family Transport Co suspended its ferry service after experts concluded a gas leak caused the explosion.

The company has 72 boats plying along the Saen Saeb canal. Thirty of them are gas-powered boats. The service will not resume until the Marine Department has inspected all the boats.

Officials at Family Transport said they will stop using liquefied natural gas (LNG) following the accident that injured 60 people commuting to work early Saturday.

The company pledged to take full responsibility for all the injured. The Marine Department and police are tasked with taking legal action against the company for alleged negligence.

The accident prompted strong criticism on social media against government departments for failure to inspect public transport.

However, most comments focussed on the general low-quality of Thailand’s public transport  (road, rail and water) that results in accidents and ultimately taints Thailand’s overall safety image.