PHUKET, THAILAND – Authorities in Phuket faced public criticism after a Russian sailor received only a warning for threatening other boat operators with a knife at a popular anchorage near Koh Hey.
Knife incident at Nam Bor Bay
The confrontation occurred in Nam Bor Bay, a well-known area for swimming and snorkelling behind Koh Hey island. The bay includes public mooring buoys set up by local authorities to help ensure safe anchoring for all vessels. According to reports shared on social media, the Russian man, sailing aboard his catamaran Vimala, claimed an entire public mooring as his own.
Video footage published online showed him holding a knife and warning that he would cut the lines of any approaching boats. A local skipper captured the incident and filed a complaint through a Phuket-based Facebook news page that often highlights community and maritime issues.
Officials inspect the vessel
On 22 October, officers from the Phuket Marine Department and the Phuket Marine Police visited the Vimala, which had by then docked at the Pa Lai Seafood Restaurant pier in Chalong district for inspection. They found that the yacht carried all required documents and permits. No illegal items or safety violations were discovered during the search.
The sailor reportedly told investigators that his vessel was old and he feared possible damage if other boats moored too close. He said this concern led him to act defensively, though he acknowledged the situation had escalated unnecessarily.
Warning sparks public anger
After explaining the rules of public moorings, officials decided to release the sailor with only a formal warning. They noted that any further incidents would trigger immediate legal action without another caution.
However, the decision quickly drew widespread criticism online. Many Thai social media users argued the response was too lenient and suggested that local citizens would have faced financial penalties for similar behaviour. Comments called for equal enforcement regardless of nationality, reflecting frustration over perceived double standards.
Growing tensions at sea
The dispute has highlighted ongoing friction between international yachtsmen and local boat operators in Phuket, one of Thailand’s busiest maritime tourism hubs. Experts say cooperation and respect for shared regulations remain vital as the island balances marine safety with its image as a welcoming destination.
Authorities have since reiterated their commitment to maintaining order in Thai waters while ensuring that tourism activity continues without disruption. If the same sailor were to repeat such conduct, officials confirmed, a second warning would not be given.