Koh Larn cut off by storm: boats banned from leaving Pattaya, 6 vessels sank
After the storm on 25 September, 6 boats sank in Pattaya and all sea departures are banned until the red flag comes down. What this means for the Koh Larn ferry and island tours.
Koh Larn and the other islands off Pattaya are temporarily out of reach: on 25 September the Pattaya Marine Office raised the red flag and banned all departures to sea. The ban covers large tour boats, speedboats, fishing boats and jet skis. It stays in place until the wind and waves calm down.
Overnight into 25 September, heavy rain and gale-force winds hit Pattaya. Six boats sank off Pattaya Beach - one large tour boat and five speedboats - and two parasailing boats were washed ashore. No one was hurt.
The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts 2-3 metre waves in the Gulf of Thailand, over three metres in thunderstorms, and advises small boats to stay ashore at least until 27 September. The ban is lifted together with the red flag, so there is no fixed end date.
If you were planning a trip to Koh Larn or other islands:
1. Island tours - check with the organiser the evening before and on the morning of the trip: boats do not go out under a red flag.
2. The Koh Larn ferry from Bali Hai Pier and speedboats - run only after the ban is lifted, check before heading to the pier.
3. Swimming - while the red flag is up on the beach, stay out of the sea.
The storm hit more than the sea: streets flooded in Pattaya, and in neighbouring Sri Racha more than 200 households were evacuated. If water reaches your accommodation or you need help, call the disaster hotline 1784.
Once the sea settles, our guide to Koh Larn, Koh Chang and Koh Kood will help you pick the right island for your trip.
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