This is the dramatic moment a fire engulfed a wooden river cruise boat while terrified tourists onboard were eating their lunch.

The two-decker boat Kalae caught fire while coasting along the Chao Phra River in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on April 16.

However, its engine room reportedly caught fire, with the flames soon engulfing the boat.

Another nearby tour boat and a ship from the Marine Office rescued the 24 passengers and two crew members from the burning vessel. No casualties were reported.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Seni Pachob of the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station said: 'Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. 

'We have learned that the boat in question was a chartered tourist boat that used fuel and gas, so the cause might be gas leakage. The damage is estimated to be around three million baht (£65,500).'

The boat was being used to tour customers of a riverside restaurant along the channel.

Boat owner Natnicha Sorndee, the owner of the boat, said it was equipped with safety gear and life vests, and underwent routine inspections in accordance with safety standards.

The driver Theerapol Kerdprom, 65, said: 'The fire started as we were heading back to the restaurant. I noticed there was smoke coming from the lower deck, so I went to check and saw the room engulfed in smoke.

'I called for help from the Marine Office while instructing the passengers to wear life jackets.

'A nearby boat picked us up before the fire completely swallowed our tour boat, which floated toward the shore and caused minor damage to a house.

'I believe the cause of the fire was the extremely hot weather. The generator may have been overloaded because I had to turn on air-conditioning for the passengers.'

Peerathorn Naksuk, director of the Marine Office in Ayutthaya, said rescue volunteers in Ayutthaya were trained to respond to boat emergencies.

He said: 'Regarding the cause of the fire, we are investigating it thoroughly. The heat may have something to do with it, because several cars and houses in the area have caught on fire due to hot weather.'