Pattaya City has agreed new controls for speedboat operators serving Koh Larn after staff from rival boats fought at Tawaen Beach on 26 August, damaging the resort's tourism image. The measures were agreed at a meeting at Pattaya City Hall on 7 September, chaired by deputy mayor Manoch Nongyai. City officials, Bang Lamung district authorities, harbour officials, Pattaya police and speedboat operator representatives attended. The action is intended to curb competition for customers, ease traffic problems around Tawaen Beach and raise safety standards for visitors travelling around Koh Larn. Touting and transport restrictions One of four initial measures bans operators from setting up points to solicit passengers between the songthaew parking area and the Pattaya City office branch on Koh Larn. Three-wheeled saleng vehicles will also be barred from picking up and dropping off tourists from the Tawaen Beach access-road junction to the Pattaya City office from 3pm onwards. The restriction is intended to reduce congestion in the busy area. Officers from Pattaya Police Station, Tourist Police and municipal enforcement teams will be deployed to deter problems and maintain order. Marine police and rescue teams will be checking boatmasters' licences and vessel registrations. Safety checks for island visitors The measures follow the fight involving speedboat staff at the beach, footage of which circulated on social media. Authorities said the dispute had significantly harmed the island’s tourism image. Manoch said the city would organise the area while also listening to operators. Boat associations will be able to discuss possible solutions together, while authorities will strictly enforce rules covering licences and mooring. The aim, he said, is to bring services under a single standard, prevent further disorder and give tourists confidence over the longer term. Operators to discuss longer-term solution Pattaya's intervention focuses on the competition for passengers that has contributed to disorder around the beach, rather than changing the reported speedboat service itself. Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek Related story Koh-Larn-speedboat-crews-fight-over-fares-and-customers Join the discussion? 9 September 2026
View full article