A group fight involving rival speedboat operators broke out on Tawaen Beach road on Koh Larn, off Pattaya, at about 5.30pm on 27 August 2026. Video shared online showed men who operate the Pattaya-Koh Larn tourist speedboats arguing before punches were thrown in front of beachgoers. The footage was posted with the description: "Battle of Pattaya-Koh Larn speedboat operators." Long-running dispute over passengers Reports said the dispute stemmed from competition for customers and fare-cutting among operators taking passengers back to Pattaya via Bali Hai Pier. One side was said to comprise speedboat operators based on Koh Larn who have worked in the trade for more than 30 years. The other group reportedly consisted of Pattaya-based speedboat operators who had crossed to Koh Larn to run the same business. The two sides had allegedly been in dispute for some time over attracting passengers and undercutting fares before the row escalated into the beachside fight. A group of Koh Larn speedboat operators later posted online that island residents had previously lived and worked peacefully, accusing newcomers of bringing problems to the island. "Koh Larn people live peacefully and make a living. We have never fought," the post said. "When you came, you brought problems to Koh Larn and fought like this. It damages Koh Larn's name. If it reaches the media, people will say Koh Larn is lawless again. If it is like this, please do not come and make a living on Koh Larn." Calls for Pattaya to regulate operators The local operators called on Pattaya City to take serious action to organise speedboat businesses on Koh Larn, saying this would help prevent further conflicts and protect the island's tourism image. For foreign residents and visitors, speedboats are a common way to travel between Pattaya and Koh Larn, particularly for day trips to beaches including Tawaen. The reported dispute centres on competing services and fares for the return journey to the mainland, rather than changes to official transport rules. Travellers choosing private speedboats may wish to agree the return fare, departure point and timing before setting off, particularly during busy periods when several operators are competing for passengers. AQOsDpS3wqfGd-VPn8unBoe3rBh_lT5JiAlzZgdhgNK1_MN2ddYUhHMCErzW7fCTSG_QyIlxCwzIlCPHJr3USWCNyYBqUL8YBC9JGH0erw.mp4 Join the discussion? 28 August 2026
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