At least 8 dead after Thai tourist boat capsizes

By CS Thana

BANGKOK (AA) - At least eight tourists were left dead with two others missing after a boat capsized Sunday in a river in central Thailand, according to local police.

The tourist boat, reportedly carrying 150 Thai-Muslim tourists, was chartered by the families for a sightseeing trip along the river when rough conditions caused the vessel to sink just outside the old capital city of Ayutthaya.

At least eight people are confirmed dead with two more missing and two in a critical condition, 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.