PATTAYA, Thailand – Eight passengers were injured when a speedboat carrying 27 people collided with a two-deck fishing boat near Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya at approximately 11pm on November 9. The accident caused the speedboat to sink, prompting an emergency rescue operation.
As of November 10, the eight injured passengers comprised five Thai nationals and three Russians. All were taken to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya for treatment. Seven have since been discharged, while one remains in hospital under medical supervision.
Authorities have successfully recovered the sunken speedboat from the seabed. The vessel sustained extensive damage from the impact. On the legal front, Pattaya City Police have initially questioned the speedboat operator but have not yet filed any charges. Investigators are preparing to conduct further questioning and gather additional evidence to establish the exact circumstances and cause of the collision. Meanwhile, maritime authorities have raised a red flag at Bali Hai Pier, prohibiting small boats from leaving the shore. Only larger passenger vessels that meet safety requirements are permitted to operate services between Pattaya and Koh Larn.
Officials are also enforcing life-jacket requirements, instructing passengers to wear them throughout their journeys. Despite the accident and temporary restrictions on smaller vessels, tourist activity at Bali Hai Pier remains busy. Thai and international visitors continue travelling to Koh Larn, using larger passenger ferries operating under closer supervision by maritime officials.
