Royal Galaxy Cruise is facing possible license revocation after a video went viral of their crew dumping various waste and trash on to the Chao Phraya River.
In a The Nation report, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri explained that the cruise operator, Happy International Trade, the dumping of rubbish onto the river is deemed “environmentally harmful”.
The Marine Department’s director-general is now assigned to investigate the matter, which includes suspending the boat operator’s license. In addition, the department is also ordered to take legal actions against the cruise’s crew member for the alleged garbage dumping violation under the Navigation in Thai Waters Act, BE 2456 (1913).
Violators are facing up to 6 months prison sentence and/or a fine of up to 10,000 baht.
The Marine department is coordinating with relevant agencies to “strengthen enforcement against violators and promote cooperation in preserving the Chao Phraya River’s marine ecosystem,” said in the report.
At the same time, the Marine Department director-general Kritphet Chaichuai said that more evidence is being gathered and is submitted to the Phakklongsan Police Station, where an inspection is underway.
A dialogue with the Thai Boats Association and passenger boat operators will also be conducted to remind individuals on measures “to protect the river’s ecosystem.”