A speedboat captain was high on meth when he crashed into a concrete post injuring 37 tourists in Thailand, police have said.

Sathit Maschai, 29, had allegedly consumed narcotics before taking dozens of tourists aboard the Thanathip Marine 555 boat from Phi Phi Island to Chalong Pier in Phuket on May 17.

In his reportedly drowsy state, he smashed into a large channel marker at sea, wounding 37 people including himself. They were sent to different hospitals in Phuket for treatment.

Police Major General Sermphan Sirikong, Phuket Provincial Police Commander, interviewed 19 witnesses, who all allegedly said Sathit had been travelling recklessly and falling asleep.

The captain was charged under Sections 300 and 390 of Thailand's Penal Code for causing injury to others. He may face up to three years in jail and a fine of 60,000 THB (1,740 USD).

Police Lieutenant Colonel Kanaen Somrak from the Chalong Police Station said: "We administered tests on the captain, but instead of alcohol, we detected methamphetamine. We are unsure if he had taken crystal meth or amphetamine. We are gathering evidence to prosecute him for driving under the influence of drugs".

Phuket Marine Office Chief Natchaphong Pranit appointed ship inspector Adul Raluekmool to investigate the accident.

Adul, after interrogating the boat's mechanic and tour guide, said there were no indications of a mechanical failure as the engine and steering mechanism were in good condition. He added that there was an oil leak, which likely occurred after the accident.

The boat's license was also not expired, and it was carrying the appropriate number of passengers.

He said: "We will conduct a more thorough investigation to determine the actual cause of the accident".

Tourist Police assisted the discharged tourists in returning to their hotels while the Tourist Assistance Centre contacted their respective embassies for visa extensions.

The boat company operating the Thanathip Marine 555 said the injured tourists were each entitled to 15,000 THB (435 USD) in insurance. The victims had also bought accident insurance from local provider Thai Pattana Insurance Company, entitling them to a further 500,000 THB (14,500 USD) each.

A speedboat captain was high on mth when he crashed into a concrete post injuring 37 tourists in Thailand, police have said.

Sathit Maschai, 29, had allegedly consumed narcotics before taking dozens of tourists aboard the Thanathip Marine 555 boat from Phi Phi Island to Chalong Pier in Phuket on May 17.

In his reportedly drowsy state, he smashed into a large channel marker at sea, wounding 37 people including himself. They were sent to different hospitals in Phuket for treatment.

Police Major General Sermphan Sirikong, Phuket Provincial Police Commander, interviewed 19 witnesses, who all allegedly said Sathit had been travelling recklessly and falling asleep.

The captain was charged under Sections 300 and 390 of Thailand's Penal Code for causing injury to others. He may face up to three years in jail and a fine of 60,000 THB (1,740 USD).

Police Lieutenant Colonel Kanaen Somrak from the Chalong Police Station said: 'We administered tests on the captain, but instead of alcohol, we detected methamphetamine. We are unsure if he had taken crystal meth or amphetamine. We are gathering evidence to prosecute him for driving under the influence of drugs.'

Phuket Marine Office Chief Natchaphong Pranit appointed ship inspector Adul Raluekmool to investigate the accident.

Adul, after interrogating the boat's mechanic and tour guide, said there were no indications of a mechanical failure as the engine and steering mechanism were in good condition. He added that there was an oil leak, which likely occurred after the accident.

The boat's license was also not expired, and it was carrying the appropriate number of passengers.

He said: 'We will conduct a more thorough investigation to determine the actual cause of the accident.'

Tourist Police assisted the discharged tourists in returning to their hotels while the Tourist Assistance Centre contacted their respective embassies for visa extensions.

The boat company operating the Thanathip Marine 555 said the injured tourists were each entitled to 15,000 THB (435 USD) in insurance. The victims had also bought accident insurance from local provider Thai Pattana Insurance Company, entitling them to a further 500,000 THB (14,500 USD) each.