Pattaya City is preparing tighter controls for restaurant boats, tourist vessels, squid-fishing rafts and cafe boats in Pattaya Bay, amid concern that a growing number of operators is outstripping the limited space available. Officials say overcrowding could compromise visitor safety and raise the risk of accidents. The initial policy will be to ensure the number of operators does not exceed the bay's capacity, rather than substantially enlarging designated operating areas. For foreign residents and visitors, the proposed rules could mean more orderly boat services, clearer passenger collection points and stronger checks on safety equipment for trips around Pattaya Bay and Koh Lan. Authorities plan practical operating rules Wutthisak Rermkij, deputy mayor of Pattaya, chaired a meeting on rules for restaurant boats, tourist vessels and associated businesses in the bay. Those attending included government officials, the director of the Marine Department's Regional Office 6, Pattaya Branch, the chief of the Tourist Police Station, the director of the Marine and Coastal Resources Office 2, Bang Lamung district fisheries officials, and operators of tourist boats, restaurant boats, squid-fishing rafts and squid-fishing cafes. The discussions follow work by Pattaya City's Environmental Health and Sanitation Division to regulate businesses using public areas under the Interior Ministry's 2003 rules governing the sale of goods in public places. Officials discussed operating standards intended to ensure compliance with laws and requirements covering water safety, public-space use and marine environmental protection. The aim is also to provide clear guidance for operators, improve services and strengthen tourists' confidence. Pattaya Model will guide zoning and safety The new regulations will be based on the Marine Department's Pattaya Model, which is used to organise tourism activity and water traffic in Pattaya Bay and around Koh Lan. It sets out swimming zones and navigation routes, separating water recreation from boat traffic to reduce accident risks and improve water safety. Measures also include vessel and life-saving equipment inspections, compliance with waterway traffic rules, and the organisation of piers and passenger pick-up and drop-off points to fit local conditions. Pattaya City and the Marine Department have previously set designated zones under the model, but the number of businesses has continued to rise while available water space has remained limited. Authorities are particularly concerned about activities that require large areas of water. They will consider reallocating or adjusting current zones to accommodate existing operators where needed, while prioritising safety and suitability over expansion. Coordinated approach for bay businesses Pattaya City will work with the Marine Department, police, marine and coastal resource agencies, fisheries officials and operators to agree clear, workable rules. The authorities say the effort is intended to safeguard the marine environment while supporting the tourism economy and developing Pattaya Bay as a safe, regulated and sustainable marine tourism destination. Join the discussion? 9 August 2026
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