PATTAYA, THAILAND – Authorities at Bali Hai Pier tightened Songkran security checks and strictly tested boat captains and crew members for alcohol to prevent accidents and bolster confidence in sea transport.
Checks at Bali Hai Pier expanded
Authorities at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya had stepped up safety measures as part of intensified Songkran deployments. The operation focused on high-traffic holiday periods, when boat services to nearby islands were under particular pressure.
A central element of the campaign was strict alcohol screening for boat operators before departure. Officials aimed to ensure that no vessel left the pier with a captain or crew member under the influence.
Multiple agencies in joint operation
The operation was led by senior officers from Tourist Police Division 4. They coordinated the checks on site and oversaw the procedures for screening crews.
They were supported by the Thai Marine Department and officers from the Pattaya City Police Station. The joint deployment brought together tourism, marine and local police expertise at the pier.
Focus on pre-departure alcohol testing
On site, boat captains and crew members were tested for alcohol consumption before departure. Only after completing the checks were boats allowed to continue boarding and leave the pier.
The aim was to reduce the risk of incidents and accidents during the busy Songkran holiday period. Officials viewed the testing regime as a preventive tool to keep crowded routes operating safely.
Songkran drives heavy traffic on the water
Songkran was one of the peak travel periods in Thailand, leading to large crowds at tourist hubs such as Bali Hai Pier. Many visitors used the pier to reach nearby island destinations for day trips and short stays.
Authorities said these proactive checks formed part of broader measures to ensure safe sea journeys amid rising visitor numbers. The emphasis was on visible enforcement to reassure passengers.
Key departure point for island tourists
Bali Hai Pier served as a central departure point for tourists traveling from Pattaya to nearby islands. As a result, reliable safety standards at this location were considered critical.
In peak periods, many travelers depended on boat services, making consistent enforcement of rules especially important. The checks were intended to support uninterrupted and safe operations for both local and foreign visitors.
Confidence in sea transport to be strengthened
According to the personnel involved, thousands of visitors passed through the pier each day, with numbers rising significantly during the holidays. The high volume of passengers increased the importance of strict oversight.
Officials stressed that firm enforcement was necessary to ensure safety in water transport and to maintain the confidence of international and domestic tourists. They framed the alcohol tests as a core element of efforts to keep sea travel during Songkran as safe as possible.