Authorities says five more people have been rescued, bringing the total to 33 survivors while seven remain missing.
At least 28 rescued after the boat, called Sea Story and carrying 44 people, sinks near the coastal town of Marsa Alam.
Backpacker hotspot Vang Vieng is in the spotlight following six deaths blamed on tainted alcohol.
Tourist allegedly told police he defaced Shinto shrine as a ‘prank’.