PATTAYA, THAILAND – A long-frozen ferry fare between Pattaya and Koh Larn was set to rise for the first time in 16 years, triggering debate among residents and tourists.
After 16 years, the fare finally increases
The Pattaya–Koh Larn Passenger Boat Club officially confirmed that from 10 April 2026 the one-way fare to Koh Larn would increase to 40 baht from the long-standing 30 baht. A club spokesperson said the price had remained unchanged since 2010 despite steadily rising operating expenses.
“The price has held since 2010 – despite constantly rising costs for fuel, maintenance and everything else.”
said a spokesperson for the Pattaya–Koh Larn Passenger Boat Club.
According to the club, economic pressures had made this first fare increase in 16 years unavoidable. The decision followed careful deliberation, with the stated goal of keeping ferry operations financially sustainable for both locals and visitors over the long term.
Passengers respond with humour and understanding
Passenger reactions were mixed but largely understanding, with many saying the increase was long overdue. One traveller joked that if the new fare felt too high, there was another option.
“If it’s too expensive, just swim across!”
said one passenger.
Another commuter noted dryly that handling the new fare might be simpler in practice.
“Two 20-baht notes are much easier to handle.”
said another passenger.
Frequent travellers on the route also appeared relaxed about the change.
“Forty baht is still extremely cheap – especially for a tourist attraction like Koh Larn.”
said one regular rider, adding that some passengers would even be willing to pay 50 or 60 baht for the crossing.
Not all are satisfied – service quality under fire
Despite the mostly calm reaction, some passengers used the announcement to voice broader criticism of the ferry service. One traveller complained about safety and comfort on board.
“Overcrowded boats, too few life jackets and in rough seas the water sloshes in.”
said a passenger, arguing that even the higher fare was hard to justify at that level of service.
Others questioned why the Passenger Boat Club had not opted for a gradual adjustment. Several said they would have preferred an intermediate step.
“A step to 35 baht would have been better for us.”
said another passenger, noting that the club instead chose a direct jump to 40 baht.
Soaring costs force the issue
Most passengers found the reasons for the hike understandable, pointing to recent cost surges in Thailand. Fuel prices had risen sharply, at times by 6 baht per litre overnight, according to the explanation given to travellers.
On top of fuel, ferry operators faced higher maintenance costs, increasing insurance premiums and general inflation. Faced with these combined pressures, the operators said they had felt compelled to act.
Since 2010, the broader economic environment had changed significantly, the club argued. The fact that the fare was rising for the first time was described as a sign of the times, and passengers were told they would have to get used to higher costs.
Debate widens: will taxis be next?
The ferry increase sparked a new discussion in Pattaya about wider mobility costs in the tourist city. Many locals and visitors began asking whether songthaews (shared pickup taxis) and motorbike taxis might soon follow with their own price rises.
Fares for these forms of transport had remained stable for years, despite rising operating expenses. With the ferry now charging 10 baht more, some residents wondered if that stability could last much longer.
“If the ferry charges 10 baht more, why not the taxis too?”
asked one local resident, noting that the debate over mobility costs in the resort city had only just begun.
Still a bargain crossing
Despite criticism of the timing and size of the increase, many travellers continued to see the ferry as a bargain. At 40 baht per trip, roughly the equivalent of 1 euro, the crossing to Koh Larn remained inexpensive compared with similar routes in other tourist regions.
The club pointed out that the total round-trip price stayed under 100 baht, a level rarely found in comparable destinations worldwide. For many visitors, that kept the ferry trip firmly in the affordable category.
Koh Larn itself remained highly popular with holidaymakers for its turquoise bays, white sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere. The ferry crossing from Pattaya was still considered the classic way to reach the island.
“Still much cheaper than a taxi ride in Europe.”
said one tourist, adding:
“Every baht is worth it for the experience.”
Fair adjustment or unnecessary burden?
After more than 16 years without any price change, the new fare left the community divided. Many considered the move long overdue in light of escalating costs, while others continued to criticise unresolved issues with safety and comfort on board.
The debate in Pattaya now centred on whether 40 baht was a fair reflection of today’s economic reality, or whether service standards should improve before passengers were asked to pay more. Opinions remained split as residents and tourists adjusted to the higher price on one of the city’s most iconic routes.