27 hospitalized after Thai speedboat blast

The 27 Chinese nationals injured in a speedboat explosion in Thailand on Sunday have all been sent to hospital for treatment and compensation will be paid, according to Chinese and Thai tourism authorities.

A tourist speedboat, named King Poseidon, exploded near the Phi Phi Islands in the southern Thai province of Krabi on Sunday. It was carrying 26 Chinese tourists, a Chinese guide, a Thai guide and three Thai crew members.

Li Jinzao, head of the China National Tourism Administration, said its Bangkok office was liaising with the Chinese consulate in Songkhla and local hospitals to collect information and has asked Thai police to confirm the cause of the explosion.