Pattaya, Thailand – At Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya, Deputy Mayor Krisana Boonsawat, accompanied by Pattaya City Permanent Secretary Kiatisak Sriwongchai, Pattaya City Council members, Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization representatives, and department heads, conducted an on-site inspection of newly installed passenger pontoons.
The team assessed the structural integrity and durability of the pontoons, evaluating their ability to withstand the impact of docking boats and waves generated by vessel traffic. The goal is to ensure sufficient safety standards to protect the lives and property of residents and tourists, while boosting confidence in water travel to Pattaya and Koh Larn.
Deputy Mayor Krisana Boonsawat explained that the visit aimed to oversee the installation of six new pontoons at Bali Hai Pier, each measuring 9×8 meters. Installation has already begun at Piers 1, 3, and 5, while Piers 4 and 6 will feature specialized designs with ramps to better accommodate people with disabilities, the elderly, and travelers with luggage.
The original pontoons, installed in 2014, have been in use for over a decade, supporting a high volume of residents and tourists traveling to Koh Larn and contributing to the local tourism economy. Recognizing the need to elevate water tourism safety standards in Pattaya and Koh Larn, the Pattaya Mayor approved the replacement of these aging pontoons. The new installations are expected to be completed by the end of May, though challenges related to tidal fluctuations—causing gaps between the pontoons—have been identified. Pattaya City officials and the contractor’s engineers are actively working to address these issues, ensuring maximum safety for tourists.
