Three more bodies have been found in the sea, not far from the sinking site of a tour boat, bringing the death toll of to 44. Three remain missing.
Phuket governor Norapat Plodthong on Tuesday said two of the three bodies were sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for verification whether they were victims of the ill-fated Phoenix that sank off the coast of Phuket last Thursday.
The number of the tourists still missing remained at three, said the governor, adding provincial authorities have closely worked with the Chinese Consulate to identify the deceased Chinese tourists and those who went missing. The death toll rose to 44, including one still trapped under the wreckage.
Thirty-seven bodies have been identified, 33 by their relatives, said Mr Norapat.
Funeral rites were held at Wat Khosit Viharn temple, said the governor during a media briefing on Tuesday.
The Phoenix went down in high seas on Thursday off the west-coast island of Phuket with 101 people on board, including 89 tourists, all but two were from China, and 12 crew members, during an outing to a small island for snorkelling.
Third Naval Area commander Vice Adm Somnuek Prempramote said two of the three bodies were found by a fishing vessel between two islands -- Koh Mai Thon and Koh -- not far from the sinking site of the tour boat.
The third body, found at Koh Phi Phi in Krabi, was picked up by HTMS Long Lom.
Navy divers and the Chinese diving team would discuss the operation to salvage the Phoenix, said Vice Adm Somnuek. However, there were strong winds at this time.