Pattaya – Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City, Mr. Wuttisak Roemkitchakarn, recently chaired a coordination and briefing meeting on guidelines and criteria for issuing operating licenses for Sea Walker (underwater walking) activities in Pattaya Beach and Koh Larn areas. The meeting took place at 3:00 PM in Meeting Room 241 at Pattaya City Hall.
Mr. Pornpirom Seua-daeng, Director of the Environmental Health Promotion Division under the Public Health and Environment Office, provided detailed explanations during the session. Also in attendance were Mr. Meechai Inthapithak, Chairman of the Pattaya Mayor’s Working Group, Mr. Sakchai Charoenyukongrod, Assistant Secretary to the Mayor, relevant officials, and operators of Sea Walker businesses.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Mayor Wuttisak stated that Pattaya City had previously conducted a briefing on operational guidelines, regulations, hygiene standards, cleanliness, and safety measures for Sea Walker tourism operators in both Pattaya Beach and Koh Larn. In March, officials inspected all 12 vessels involved in the activity and found that only one vessel fully met the required standards, particularly regarding wastewater and waste management.
As a result, Pattaya City has been unable to issue licenses to the remaining 11 vessels. Operators were instructed to urgently upgrade their vessels to comply with city standards before reapplying for permits.
The meeting was organized to ensure all 12 operators clearly understand the licensing criteria and regulatory framework before permits are issued. The goal is to bring all operations under unified city oversight, in line with Pattaya City’s announcement on guidelines, methods, and conditions for vending goods or services in public areas, specifically for underwater sea walking activities, as well as regulations from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
Deputy Mayor Wuttisak added that service prices will be standardized across all operators to prevent price-cutting and protect tourists from exploitation, while ensuring fair competition.
He warned that any violations, such as secretly discharging wastewater or offering discounted rates, will result in penalties similar to those applied to beach chair and umbrella operators:
– **First offense**: Immediate 15-day suspension and a fine of up to 3,000 baht
– **Second offense**: 30-day suspension and a fine of up to 5,000 baht
– **Third offense**: Immediate revocation of the operating license
The Deputy Mayor stressed that Pattaya City will strictly refuse to issue licenses to any operator who fails to meet the standards. The primary objectives are to ensure maximum safety for tourists and to maintain Thailand’s positive tourism image.
Operators who are fully prepared may submit their license applications immediately to the Public Health and Environment Office. City officials, led by the Deputy Mayor who directly oversees this matter, will conduct thorough on-site inspections of each vessel to verify compliance and guarantee tourist safety.
Additionally, the Public Health and Environment Office will submit monthly reports to the province for review by the Provincial Environmental Committee to monitor any environmental impacts. If operators fail to comply or are found illegally discharging wastewater or waste, permission to use the area will be revoked immediately.
Deputy Mayor Wuttisak called on all operators to complete registration and obtain proper licenses by early May. He urged full cooperation to ensure orderly, standardized operations that prioritize tourist safety, protect the environment, and support sustainable tourism and economic balance in Pattaya and Koh Larn.
**News: Miss Kwanjai Suetrong**
**Photos: Miss Chinanang Chumchuea**
Public Relations Division
Tourism and Sports Office
Pattaya City
