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
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.