Three tourist boats sustained heavy fire damage as they were anchoring at a river pier in Phra Pradaeng district of Samut Prakan on Tuesday morning.

According to the Samut Prakan V2 News webpage, the fire started on one of six tourist boats moored close to each other at the pier near Thong Khung Temple and the flames spread quickly to two other vessels.

As many as three explosions were heard during the fire, which sent thick black smoke into the sky, according to a report on Fire and Rescue Thailand webpage. Several fire-fighting boats rushed to the scene and managed to bring the initial fire under control by about 9am.

Three vessels were burned and sustained heavy damage. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Police have been trying to contact the owners and skippers of the boats for questioning.