At least 12 dead after Thai tourist boat capsizes

By CS Thana

BANGKOK

At least 12 Thai-Muslim tourists have died and two others remain missing after a boat capsized Sunday on a river in central Thailand, according to local police.

The boat, reportedly carrying 150 tourists, was chartered by the families for a sightseeing trip along the river when the vessel ran aground just outside the old capital city of Ayutthaya during an annual rite at a mosque.

At least 12 people are confirmed dead with two more missing, according to a local police officer who requested anonymity citing ongoing investigations.

"When we arrived at the scene, local villagers along the river banks had already brought most of the survivors to shore," he told Anadolu Agency by phone.

Ayutthaya is Thailand’s former capital and a popular tourist attraction among foreigners and locals alike.

The Chao Phraya River which runs through the ancient city also flows south to Bangkok, making it a popular river journey with tourists.