Sailing pass the protected coastal waters of the King's Palace?

[Steele404]

I'm sailing a small Hobie Cat 16 from the Northern side of Hua Hin and I need to get to Prachuap Kirikan.

However, this requires me to pass the heavily guarded coastal area in front of the king's palace in Hua Hin.

What is the marine rules there? Do I need to detour around or can I just sail close to shore?

Being a beach catamaran, I wish to stay as close as possible to shore.

Any info will be hugely appreciated.

- Mark

[hhfarang]

As far as I know, no vessels of any kind are supposed to enter the semi circle of protected water inside the navy ships. I'm not sure if it matters whether H.M. the King is there or not though. The ships point inward when he is not there and outward when he is there (or could be vice versa); anyway, I read that he is in Bangkok at the moment. Might be worth walking on the beach until you reach the guard(s) that also protect that beach area and asking, but you should take a Thai speaker with you.

[Ciocco]

Sailing "inside" the perimeter protected by the navy ships in front there could give you a lot of troubles, not last the risk to be shooted by them.

Also if a beach boat you can easely circumnavigate those navy ships.

Do not take risk and choose the longer way.

[Mikesqc]

Better not to take that risk going into the restricted area of the king palace. The Thai Navy will take it seriously about going into the restricted area and will be difficult to explain to them the reason to go there.

[Steele404]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I think I would play it safe and take the detour.