PATTAYA, THAILAND – Chonburi’s governor led extensive New Year safety inspections at road and marine checkpoints in Banglamung district to keep the holidays as safe as possible for residents and tourists.
Governor leads inspection tour in Pattaya
Governor Naris Niramaiwong conducted an inspection tour on 1 January across several checkpoints in the Pattaya area to review reinforced measures for the New Year travel wave and support frontline personnel. He was accompanied by Sattahip District Chief Anusak Phiriyom, Pattaya police chief Pol. Col. Enek Sratongyu and other heads of responsible agencies. Together they visited key road checkpoints and public service points coordinating holiday traffic.
Road checks and free motorcycle helmets
The tour began at the main checkpoint in front of Big C South Pattaya, where authorities relied on visible prevention in road traffic. As a New Year gesture, officers handed out free motorcycle helmets to road users to increase acceptance of checks and raise awareness of traffic safety.
Strict rules at sea with focus on Koh Larn
The delegation then shifted its focus to water safety, inspecting marine checkpoints at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya and the pier on Koh Larn. Governor Naris personally checked the readiness of passenger ferries and speedboats transporting tourists and residents between the city and the popular island, with particular attention to mandatory safety standards on board. He stressed that all passengers had to wear life jackets for the entire crossing.
“The safety regulations will be strictly enforced.”
said Naris Niramaiwong, governor of Chonburi.
Measures in force since late December
During the tour, the governor conveyed New Year greetings to the people of Chonburi and to visitors, noting that agencies had closely coordinated their efforts to secure travel and excursions on land and at sea. The reinforced checks and services had been in place since 30 December in response to a marked increase in holidaymakers in Pattaya and other excursion destinations in the province over the New Year period.
Call for discipline and cooperation
Naris urged residents and tourists to actively support the work of the security forces and comply with existing regulations for road and maritime transport.
“We need the full cooperation of everyone,”
said Naris Niramaiwong, referring to strict observance of traffic rules, consistent use of life jackets on the Pattaya–Koh Larn route and cooperation with police and inspection staff on land and at sea. The stated aim of the measures was a safe, orderly and pleasant New Year period across Chonburi province.
Ongoing debate over visible security
The measures, including checkpoints, helmet distribution and mandatory life jackets, were also part of a broader discussion over how much visible authority can actually prevent accidents in major holiday destinations. The question remained whether such presence alone was sufficient or whether stricter long-term rules and greater discipline among travelers themselves would be needed to ensure lasting safety at the turn of the year.