Tour packages face new safety scrutiny

Boat sinking in Thailand last week triggers push for rules, warnings

Online tour packages for outbound self-guided travel are under scrutiny after two boats capsized during a violent storm off Thailand's Phuket Island last week, killing at least 41 Chinese tourists, and authorities are targeting unqualified tour packages and operators that pose potential risks, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said on Saturday.

Another 15 Chinese tourists remained missing after the incident late Thursday afternoon, the Chinese embassy in Thailand said on Sunday morning.