PATTAYA, Thailand – The long holiday from October 11-13 drew a surge of over 10,000 visitors per day to Pattaya and nearby Koh Larn, bringing vibrant energy to the city while highlighting infrastructure and management challenges. At Laem Bali Hai pier, families and groups of friends flocked to catch ferries and speedboats to the island, boosting income for local operators. The day was filled with laughter, waves, and the unmistakable hum of holiday tourism.
Authorities, including the Marine Department, stepped up to ensure tourist safety, with reminders for all passengers to wear life jackets during boat journeys. Traffic, however, was a major headache. Pattaya’s Sukhumvit Road became heavily congested, with queues stretching over 500 meters, while parking spots in public lots and garages quickly filled to capacity.
Visitors shared mixed reactions to the experience. One suggested, “It would be great to build a sea bridge to the island and extend it all the way to Cha-Am or Hua Hin for easier access.” Another visitor noted the overcrowding: “The boats were overpacked, and on the speedboat back I had to hold on tightly or risk falling off. It wasn’t a pleasant experience.” Others pointed out issues of maintenance and sustainability, saying, “Koh Larn is starting to deteriorate because of too many buildings and fewer natural areas.”
Despite the crowd, many tourists still appreciated the destination. Comments like “The beach is beautiful” and “I miss Koh Larn” show that visitors still value the island’s natural charm. Others expressed hope for improved city planning: “When will Pattaya develop a bridge to Koh Larn?” and “More parking and better traffic management are needed.”
The influx offers lessons for Pattaya City Hall. Managing tourism growth responsibly—through expanded parking, controlled ferry and speedboat capacity, and infrastructure improvements such as potential bridges or shuttle services—can enhance the visitor experience while protecting the island’s natural environment. Balancing economic benefit with sustainability and safety is critical if Pattaya and Koh Larn are to remain premier holiday destinations.
