Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวเด่นภูเก็ต

 

A Russian man accused of occupying a public mooring in Phuket, Thailand, argued that his aging boat required protection from potential damage if other vessels docked too closely. The incident began when a local boat driver filed a complaint on a Facebook news page, claiming that the man took over a public mooring at Nam Bor Bay and threatened others with a knife. Nam Bor Bay is a well-known spot for swimming and snorkeling, where authorities have provided moorings for safe anchoring.

 

The complaint alleged that the Russian, on his catamaran with his son, threatened to cut the ropes of any boats that tied to the public buoy. A video was shared online, displaying him holding a knife and confronting other boat drivers. In response, officials from the Phuket Marine Department and Phuket Marine Police conducted an inspection of the catamaran, named Vimala, on October 22 while it was docked at a pier in the Chalong sub-district.

 

Authorities verified that the Russian man had all necessary documents and permits, and no illegal items were found onboard. During the investigation, the man explained that his boat's condition made him concerned about potential damage from nearby vessels. Officials reviewed the regulations regarding public moorings with him and issued a warning, stating that future violations could lead to legal action without prior warning.

 

The incident sparked criticism from some netizens who demanded stricter penalties. Accusations arose that officials were more lenient towards foreigners compared to locals, with claims that Thai citizens would likely face legal consequences, such as fines, for similar actions.

 

Key Takeaways

• Russian man occupied a public mooring in Phuket for fear of boat damage.
• A viral video and complaint led to an official inspection and warning.
• Concerns were raised over alleged lenient treatment of foreigners.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-10-27

 

 

So what was his violation ? 

3 minutes ago, brian69 said:

So what was his violation ? 

He's Russian, 'nuff said...

13 hours ago, brian69 said:

So what was his violation ? 

Threatening others who are doing what they're required to do: use a public mooring in stead of anchoring.

The knife wielding stance was so intimidating, was the knife on his keyring?

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A video was shared online, displaying him holding a knife and confronting other boat drivers

Best to tell him to upgrade his ageing vessel and move along.

Those Russians apparently still think they own the whole world, the scoundrels.

If his aging vessel is in poor condition, it should be removed from the water and repaired or burnt

Throw out Russians of Thailand will be an answer!

9 hours ago, stevenl said:

Threatening others who are doing what they're required to do: use a public mooring in stead of anchoring.

He didn't threaten anyone...only threatened their mooring rope.

Crazy Ivan.

On 10/27/2025 at 4:45 PM, brian69 said:

So what was his violation ? 

Tying up to an offshore Mooring requires access to a dinghy to reach shore.  If you stay on the mooring,  it is your responsibility to set anchors to prevent the boat from wandering and coming into contact with other boats.  If your anchor drags and it hits another boat, you are financially responsible. 

 

The solution is to find a marina and pay the docking fee.

33 minutes ago, Balance said:

Tying up to an offshore Mooring requires access to a dinghy to reach shore.  If you stay on the mooring,  it is your responsibility to set anchors to prevent the boat from wandering and coming into contact with other boats.  If your anchor drags and it hits another boat, you are financially responsible. 

 

The solution is to find a marina and pay the docking fee.

No anchoring allowed there.

Time to take the garbage out, stamped out, never to return.   The old boat, pull the junk out to sea & pull the plug...help make an artificial reef for fishermen.

 

A different but related subject - where is the boat registered?  I don't think a foreigner can own a Thai vessel.  I think I read it here on ASEAN, maybe I'm incorrect.

 

Anyone here knowledgeable about foreigners owning a Thai vessel?

Well, it looks like a Russian takeover of Phuket. Seems like it has been going on for a while. Pattaya next or Koh Chang? Good Luck.

On 10/28/2025 at 6:09 PM, NedR69 said:

Anyone here knowledgeable about foreigners owning a Thai vessel?

 

Well, if they can own a car and house, I can't see why not?