Kawin Sakaojit, 42, was charged with recklessness leading to the serious injury of others. If convicted, he could be jailed for three years and/or fined up to Bt6,000.

Police have charged him because he installed the liquefied natural gas (LNG) system suspected of causing the explosion.

Kawin denied responsibility. “I have provided such installations for boats for more than eight years already. I am not in charge of procuring the LNG tanks,” he said. “I am just in charge of the installations of the system.”

He said boats owners or boat drivers could call him if they detected any irregularities in the system.

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“My first advice is usually that boat drivers should immediately close the gas valve [if they detect a problem],” he said, “After that, I will rush to check the system for them.”

Deputy Transport Minister Omsin Chiwaphruek has instructed officials to implement strict measures to control public transport boats nationwide including regular maintenance checks and suspending the operations of LNG-powered boats.

The move aims to boost public confidence in boat transport following the explosion.

Omsin said a subcommittee investigating the cause of the blast will conclude within 10 days.

Following the blast, the Marine Department ordered the suspension of all 26 LNG-powered commuter boats operating on Saen Saeb Canal, including those using LNG and diesel, leaving 45 diesel-powered vessels in operation.

Omsin said people should now feel safe commuting on the boats while services had resumed as normal.

The suspension of LNG-powered commuter vessels nationwide and the regular safety checks of boats by officials aims to set a long-term safety standard.

Of the 71 people injured in Saturday’s blast, 19 remained hospitalised yesterday including four in intensive care.