Deputy PM sorry for boat deaths remarks

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon Tuesday apologised for his harsh criticism of Chinese tour operators, after he blamed them for the death of many passengers on the tour boat that sank off the coast of Phuket.

"If I said something that upset people, I want to apologise. I've received a report about the matter," Gen Prawit said.

On Monday, Gen Prawit publicly said some Chinese companies run using Thai nominees brought in Chinese tourists and had not heeded warnings, which led to the boat disaster. His comments sparked uproar on social media in China.

The Phoenix dive boat capsized and sank last Thursday off Phuket with 101 people on board -- 89 tourists, all but two of them from China, and 12 crew -- when returning to port after a trip to a small island.

Asked if the Chinese government had criticised him for his remarks, Gen Prawit said Chinese officials had not reacted, but social media had bombarded him with criticism.

He said there are two different issues related to the deadly boat disaster in Phuket. The first is the rescue mission and the second is finding the wrongdoers.

"Do not mix both issues together. We are working the best we can on the rescue mission and providing relief to victims," he said.

He insisted the government would do its utmost to help all the tourists, most of whom were Chinese. Meanwhile, the police and related agencies have set up a committee to look into the backgrounds of the companies linked with boat accidents.

Gen Prawit said the navy and marine police had been told to help with both the dead and the injured tourists and local police and tourism police would take legal action against those responsible.

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai played down the furore, saying it was unlikely to affect bilateral relations and the Thai government was doing everything it could to help the victims.

He said authorities would have to tighten regulations and strictly enforce them to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.

The Phoenix death toll had risen to 44 Tuesday.