PATTAYA: Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai chaired a meeting on Monday, September 7th, 2026, at 2 p.m. to restore order among speedboat operators serving Koh Larn, following a brawl that officials say damaged the island’s world class family friendly tourism image.
The meeting was held in Room 221 at Pattaya City Hall. Attendees included the mayor’s adviser, the mayor’s assistant secretary, the chairman of the mayor’s working group, and heads of relevant government agencies.
The talks followed a clash among speedboat staff at Tawaen Beach on Thursday, August 26. Officials said the incident harmed the reputation of Koh Larn and Pattaya as tourist destinations. Pattaya City invited operator representatives and related agencies to agree on practical measures and prevent a repeat.
The meeting set these initial rules:
– No soliciting customers from the songthaew parking area through to the Pattaya City office branch on Koh Larn.
– No saleng three-wheelers picking up or dropping off tourists from the Tawaen Beach access intersection to the city office branch from 3 p.m. onward.
– Police from Pattaya City Police Station, tourist police, and municipal inspectors to maintain order from 2 p.m. onward.
– Marine police and rescue officers to check skipper licenses and boat registrations from 1 p.m. onward.
Officials said the steps are meant to ease competition for passengers, reduce traffic congestion, and prevent further fights.
Deputy Mayor Manoch said any new rules must take account of operators who would be affected. He said the boat operators’ association would discuss the issues and seek joint solutions. Government agencies, he added, would inspect licenses, docking arrangements, and business operations to ensure they comply with the law.
The goal, he said, is a more orderly speedboat service with consistent standards, less rivalry over customers, and fewer disputes, so that Pattaya and Koh Larn can keep visitor confidence and protect their tourism image.
News: Kwanjai Suetrong
Photos: Thanapong Unmak
Public Relations Division, Administration Section
Office of Tourism and Sports, Pattaya City
