The death toll in the Thailand train derailment has risen sharply.

According to a report by the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Bangkok, citing Thai authorities, a total of 29 bodies of victims who died in the passenger boat capsizing on the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya province on September 18 have been recovered as of the morning of September 20. Three people are still believed to be missing.

Police investigate the scene of the incident. (Source: Getty)

Thai authorities are expected to salvage the wrecked ship on September 20th to investigate the incident. The ship's captain has been arrested after fleeing the scene following the incident.

The incident occurred at approximately 4 p.m. local time on September 18. The boat, carrying about 150 passengers, mostly Muslims, capsized shortly after departing.

These passengers were traveling from Nonthaburi province to Ayutthaya, about 90km north of Bangkok, for a religious ceremony and were on their way back. The initial cause has been determined to be the boat striking a concrete pillar in the river near Sanam Chai temple.

Boat accidents are frequent in Thailand, believed to be due to lower-than-international safety standards for waterway transportation. This is especially true on the Chao Phraya River, which is often very busy and crowded with passengers.

According to VIETNAM+