Pattaya introduces beach zoning to improve water tourism safety

Pattaya City and the Pattaya Marine Department are taking steps to revitalise the Pattaya Model plan to better regulate water tourism activities in Pattaya Bay. The initiative aims to enhance marine safety by implementing crucial zoning measures.

Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampichet and Director of the Pattaya Regional Marine Department, Ekkarat Kantaro, discussed these plans in a recent meeting.

Poramase noted that Pattaya City has been actively working to revitalise its tourism economy following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. The city is now focused on implementing zoning measures along Pattaya Beach to organise water activities in Pattaya Bay, ensuring the safety of swimmers and beachgoers.

However, some businesses have not adhered to previous regulations, prompting the recent meeting to ensure all parties involved in marine activities understand and comply with the new zoning regulations.

The mayor explained that the new zoning regulations will designate specific areas for different water activities, such as jet skiing, banana boating, and speed boating, to prevent overlap and enhance safety. These rules were introduced after speedboats were seen encroaching on swimming areas, posing risks to swimmers.

The new regulations will establish a 300-metre zone from the shore for jet skiing, followed by designated areas for banana boating and parasailing. Specific anchor points for boats will also be set up on both the north and south sides of the beach. Additionally, the city will strictly enforce laws against operators leaving jet skis on the beach overnight to improve the beach’s scenery, reported Pattaya News.

The initiative comes as part of a broader effort to boost tourism and ensure that Pattaya Beach remains a safe and attractive destination for visitors. The city has been hard at work to recover from the impact of the pandemic, and the introduction and stricter enforcement of the beach zones is a first, yet significant step in the right direction.

By introducing these measures, Pattaya City aims to create a safer environment for both tourists and residents, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beautiful waters of Pattaya Bay without safety concerns.