Chinese family survives Pattaya yacht capsize, seeks compensation
A Chinese family of nine is seeking justice after a travel agency denied responsibility for a yacht capsize at Na Jomtien Bay in Pattaya on January 3. They claim the operator violated a red flag, leading to their near-death experience and a loss of nearly 200,000 baht.
The 42 year old Chinese man, identified only as Geng, and his eight family members urged Thai news agencies to help them seek justice after the travel agency that operated the trip denied responsibility.
Geng explained that he and his family arrived in Thailand on January 2 to celebrate the new year holiday. While in Pattaya, Geng came across an advertisement for the yacht trip on the WeChat app and found it interesting.
Geng contacted the travel agency and booked the trip for himself and his family for 23,000 baht. The trip included diving, visits to several marine attractions, and other water activities.
Geng and his family boarded the luxury vessel on January 3. While they were enjoying the trip, Geng noticed that seawater was continuously pouring into the boat. The yacht gradually sank, and the travel agency staff were unable to manage the issue or ensure their safety.
Ignore red flag
The Chinese man said he ordered his family members to put on life jackets and jump off the yacht for safety. They floated in the sea and watched as their valuables gradually sank to the bottom, including cash and a mobile phone, worth nearly 200,000 baht in total.
Geng said a passing boat offered help, and they were safely transferred back to the coast. Nevertheless, everyone in the family remains traumatised by the incident.
In hopes of recovering some of his losses, the Chinese nationals contacted the travel agency regarding compensation. However, the response he received led him to seek justice. The agency reportedly told Geng…
“It’s good enough that everyone is safe. Everything ends here.”
Geng later discovered that Thai officials had placed red flags along Jomtien Beach to warn visitors and local fishermen not to enter the sea due to strong waves and wind. The agency ignored this warning and took them into a dangerous situation without any accountability.
Geng revealed that he already reported the matter to Na Jomtien Police Station and made the issue public, hoping their case would not be ignored. He also expressed concern about whether the agency operates legally.
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