15 dead after Muslim pilgrim boat sinks in Thailand

An overcrowded boat carrying Muslim pilgrims sank on Thailand's Chao Phraya river on Sunday, leaving at least 15 people dead.

The boat was packed with pilgrims returning from a mosque when it hit a concrete barrier.

According to the deputy governor of Ayutthaya, Rewat Prasong, a further 11 people are still missing and 14 are in hospital.

The boat's captain is in custody and facing a charge of negligence after allowing the two-deck boat to become overcrowded, a police spokesman told AFP.

"The boat has permission to carry about 50 people but it was carrying more than 100 people," said Ayutthaya police chief Sudhi Puengpikul.

It was very close to the shore when it hit the concrete barrier and started to take on water. It is believed many of the dead were trapped on the lower deck.

The Chao Phraya, which runs through Bangkok, is a commuting route filled with often packed boats plying the waterways at breakneck speed. It runs through the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya, whose riverside is studded with the remains of temples.

Accidents are common on the river as safety regulations are seldom enforced. Traffic is growing because of a huge upsurge in tourism, driven in part by an increase in visitors from China.

News
Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce
Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce

In the Orthodox calendar, Easter falls one week after the date celebrated in western Europe.

Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth
Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth

It follows an earlier open letter addressed to King Charles, calling upon him to defend Christianity in line with his titles of Supreme Governor of the Church of England and "Defender of the Faith".

Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice
Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice

Churches can breach the code even when acting in good faith.

Religion is often left unspoken in the workplace despite widespread faith identity, research finds
Religion is often left unspoken in the workplace despite widespread faith identity, research finds

Fifteen per cent of UK employees with a faith say they have experienced religious discrimination in the workplace.