Pattaya speedboat parking on borrowed time

Speedboats docked at the Laem Bali Hai pier in South Pattaya. (Photos by Chaiyot Pupattanapong)

CHON BURI – Six hundred law enforcement officers and soldiers will descend on the Laem Bali Hai pier in South Pattaya on Nov 1, a day after the deadline for all tourist boat operators to move out, kicking off the junta’s “clean-up” operation for the area.

Marine traffic problems caused by about 1,200 speedboats, the occupation of public areas and parking spaces at and near the pier by boat trailers, and the government’s intention to give the resort town a facelift in its preparation for hosting the International Fleet Review in November next year are cited as the three main reasons behind the proposed move.

The plan aims to rearrange docking spaces for speedboats that gather at Pattaya beach to carry tourists to and from Koh Lan, a scenic islet located off the Chon Buri coast.

The tour boat operators have been given time until Oct 31 to vacate the Laem Bali Hai pier, also known as South Pattaya pier, which covers 18 rai of land. The operators are required to lease a new boat park near two tourist-pickup spots designated by authorities in Soi Jomtien 11 and 14.

Col Phopanan Lueangphanuwat, deputy chief of the 14th Military Circle, said the campaign was part of efforts to solve long-overdue problems regarding tourism and marine activities at the Pattaya’s main pier, and would help improve the image of the city.

Operators who do not cooperate or fail to comply will face strict legal action.

Among the missions of the 600 officials who will inspect the pier on Tuesday was to ensure that all public spaces are reclaimed from the boat operators.

Chon Buri deputy governor Chavalit Sang-uthai said two more piers may be built in the future to tackle marine traffic congestion.

After Nov 1, regulations will be issued to restrict tour boat operators to picking up or dropping off their passengers at the piers, not from the beach, to eradicate traffic problems.

The Pattaya Marine Office, city officials and police will upgrade Laem Bali Hai pier so that it could accommodate more boats as well as ensuring effective use of space for the public.