Pattaya, Thailand (February 5th, 2026)
Pattaya City is taking a leading role in regulating the popular underwater tourism activity known as Sea Walker, becoming the first location in Thailand to issue official operating licenses for the activity.
On February 5th, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet, along with Deputy Mayor Wutthisak Roemkitkarn, Marine and Coastal Resources Office Section 2 Director Wutthiphong Wongin, and Acting Director of the Pattaya Regional Marine Department Office Jarin Butrwong, led an on-site inspection of Sea Walker tourism boats in the Pattaya and Koh Lan areas. The visit included relevant government officials, department heads, and Sea Walker operators, who provided detailed information on their operations.
Mayor Beer (his Thai nickname) explained that the inspection is a key step toward issuing operating licenses to 19 registered Sea Walker operators, marking the inaugural pilot program for formal regulation of this activity nationwide.
Pattaya City has worked closely with the Marine and Coastal Resources Office Section 2 and the Pattaya Regional Marine Department to establish these guidelines and evaluate operators’ readiness. Once all requirements are fully met, licenses will be granted immediately.
The licensing system serves as a vital mechanism to control operations, maintain high service standards, and safeguard tourists’ rights. Violations, such as exploiting visitors, will face penalties comparable to those applied to beach chair and umbrella operators, helping build confidence in Pattaya’s tourism safety and enhance its positive image.
To minimize environmental impact on coral reefs and marine ecosystems, operators must ensure activities do not harm natural coral formations. Key requirements include:
– Designated mooring points that avoid damaging corals
– Proper wastewater treatment systems to prevent discharge into the sea
– Standardized safety equipment inspections
– Trained supervisors or assistants certified under Marine and Coastal Resources Department courses (for related diving tourism activities)
Mayor Beer added that Pattaya is committed to growing its tourism economy sustainably. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has delegated authority to Pattaya to oversee these activities through a dedicated committee, making it the first area in Thailand to legally permit and regulate Sea Walker operations.
Work on bringing this program together in Pattaya has been ongoing for some time after the need for regulation and licensing was discovered after a number of prior incidents with sea walker businesses like an Indian tourist being seriously injured in 2024.
Sea Walker, also known as helmet diving or underwater walking, allows participants to stroll on the seabed wearing air-supplied helmets, without needing swimming or diving skills, offering an accessible way to experience underwater marine life.
The mayor called on all Sea Walker operators in Pattaya to cooperate fully in promoting responsible tourism, ensuring visitor safety, and conserving the underwater natural resources. This approach will help maintain Pattaya’s reputation as a high-quality tourist destination, elevate safety standards for life and property, create a positive image, and achieve balanced, sustainable economic and tourism growth.
