Author(s): Phichet Netsawang
The aims of this study were 1) to study causes of accidents in water transportation in the Chao Phraya River, 2) to study factors affecting the water transportation system in the Chao Phraya River. The research methodology was qualitative research. The sample groups consist of 3 groups: 1) 52 operators and personnel of shipping companies, 2) 30 ship workers, and 3) 18 freight managers and other involvers. The instruments were Ishikawa Diagram (Fishbone Diagram) and Pareto Chart. Data were collected by reviewing from related documents and using in-depth interviews with the involvers. Data were analyzed by using descriptive analysis. The results of the study were as follows: The causes of accidents were from various factors including from workers (e.g. ship sailor and boatswain), ship structure, physical condition of the ships, ship equipment, and shipping method. The factors affecting the water transportation system were external environmental incidents including weather, current, high and low water level, downstream routes, and the wide and devious appearance of the Chao Phraya River. These were factors that caused the risk of accidents in water transportation in the Chao Phraya River. The significant guidelines for accident prevention and reduction were workers training on working process, ship physical condition check, loading weight control for both persons and cargo, safety equipment installation and ship tracking system, and external environment check including weather, current, water level, downstream routes, and the risk areas in the Chao Phraya River. These processes will effectively result in the improvement of water transportation accident prevention and reduction in the Chao Phraya River and further result in the improvement of the overall economic system of Thailand.