PATTAYA, THAILAND – Pattaya cracks down on floating restaurants and tourist boats as the bay gets too crowded. Officials warn of more accidents if operators keep multiplying.
The city and the Marine Department want to stop the number of boat operators from exceeding the bay’s capacity. They fear a further rise in boats and activities will cause overcrowding and increase the risk of accidents.
Deputy mayor leads talks on new rules
Deputy mayor Wutthisak Rermkij led a meeting on regulations for restaurant boats, tourist boats, squid fishing rafts and cafe boats in Pattaya Bay. Government officials, the Marine Department regional office 6 in Pattaya, tourist police, the marine and coastal resources office 2, fisheries officers from Bang Lamung, and boat operators all attended.
The meeting discussed how to redistribute or adjust existing operating zones without greatly expanding the designated areas. Safety and suitability of the zones are the top priorities.
Safety checks and rescue gear planned
Officials want clear, practical rules for water safety, public space use and marine environment protection. They plan to inspect boats and rescue equipment.
Operators must comply with shipping traffic regulations. Piers and passenger boarding areas will be adapted to local conditions.
Swim zones separated from shipping lanes
The new rules will follow the so-called Pattaya Model. Pattaya City and the Marine Department already used that model to set up operating zones in Pattaya Bay and around Koh Lan.
Swimming areas and shipping routes will be clearly separated. Water-based leisure activities must not mix with boat traffic to cut the risk of accidents.
Space runs out as operators multiply
The environment and sanitation department of Pattaya City had earlier started regulating businesses in public areas using interior ministry rules from 2003. Since those operating zones were set up, the number of restaurant boats, squid fishing rafts and tourist boats has kept climbing.
Available space in the bay, however, stayed limited.
City aims to protect sea and tourism
Pattaya City plans to coordinate the new rules with the Marine Department, police, marine and coastal resource authorities, fisheries officers and the operators. The specific new operating rules and exact zone breakdown are still to be decided.
The city wants to protect the marine environment and support the tourism economy at the same time. Officials say Pattaya Bay should become a safe, well-regulated and sustainable destination for maritime tourism.