Experts from China and Germany who inspected the retrieved twin-decked cruise boat, the Phoenix, which capsized in a storm off Phuket on July 5, resulting in the deaths of 47 Chinese tourists, have given opinions that the vessel was substandard, Immigration Bureau chief Maj-General Surachate Hakparn said on Tuesday.

Three cavediving experts from UK arrive; US assistance on the way as search for 13 footballers in cave continues.