Pattaya —
Pattaya authorities are taking proactive action to resolve the conflicts among speedboat operators that recently turned violent, tarnishing the tourism image of the city.
The violence arose on August 26th, at the Bali Hai Pier after two groups of speedboat operators could not agree on who would get to service tourists who wanted to travel to Koh Larn. The incident turned into a wild public brawl, which was recorded and later went viral on social media.
On August 31st, Mr. Phisit Sirisawadinukul, the District Chief of Banglamung, chaired a meeting to address the situation. Participants included Pol. Lt. Col. Thanapong Phothi, the Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station, Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, the Mayor of Pattaya City, and Mr. Ekkarat Khantharo, the Director of the Pattaya Regional Harbor Office, as well as other relevant Pattaya officials.
The meeting discussed a number of measures to address the conflicts, including:
- Requiring all speedboat operators to be registered with the city and to notify the city of their use of the pier and the surrounding area.
- Classifying the type of boat operation according to the law, such as passenger-carrying vessels, and requiring operators to clearly state whether they are operating as charters or tour boats.
- Enforcing stricter regulations and penalties for boat operators who engage in unlawful activities.
- Collaborating with relevant agencies to find a long-term solution to the issues at the Bali Hai Pier.
The authorities are hoping that these measures will help to resolve the conflicts and restore Pattaya’s reputation as a safe and attractive tourist destination as well as end conflicts between rival speedboat operators.
