Short answer
On 25 September 2026 the Pattaya Marine Office raised a red flag and banned all boats, including tourist speedboats and jet skis, from leaving shore because of strong winds and high waves. Thaiger reported that six boats sank, one large tourist boat and five speedboats, and that two parasailing boats were blown onto the beach. The Thai Meteorological Department advised small boats in the upper Gulf to stay ashore until 27 September. By 26 October tourist boats to Koh Larn were running again.
The marine office banned every departure on 25 September
After a night of heavy rain and strong winds, the Pattaya Marine Office raised a red flag on Friday 25 September 2026 and banned all boats from leaving shore, the Nation reported. The ban covered fishing boats, speedboats and jet skis. Thaiger added that both large and small tourist boats were told not to depart until conditions improved.
The Nation said marine officials would keep the highest alert, with red flags displayed in prominent places such as outside offices and on beaches, to warn residents and tourists. Thaiger reported that beach-chair operators on Pattaya Beach could not open as usual and that Pattaya was expected to stay on alert for strong winds and rough seas for three to four days.
Six boats sank and two were blown ashore
Preliminary inspections found that six boats had sunk: one large tourist boat and five speedboats, Thaiger reported. Two large boats used for parasailing were also blown onto the beach. The Nation said officials were recovering boat wreckage from Pattaya Beach and that Pattaya city reported damage to several boats and other property.
The weather forecast matched the damage. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) expected waves of two to three metres in the upper Gulf of Thailand on 25 September, rising above three metres during thunderstorms, and advised small boats in the upper Gulf to stay ashore through 27 September, Thaiger reported. Ferries to Koh Sichang were suspended for part of that day.
Koh Larn boats are running again
On 26 October Pattaya Tourist Police helped tourists board boats to Koh Larn and checked that they wore life jackets, Pattaya Mail reported on 28 October. The report speaks of unpredictable weather around Pattaya and asks visitors to follow crew instructions, wear life jackets and check the weather before departure.
The Tourist Police hotline is 1155, open 24 hours, and the Thailand Tourist Police application is also available, according to the same report. We did not find an official announcement that lifted the 25 September ban; the later reports simply show boats operating.
What it means for a Koh Larn day
Our Koh Larn Coral Island tour is a shared speedboat day from the marina on Pattaya Beach Road. If the sea is unsafe, the operator moves the trip to another date or refunds it. That matches how the marine office acted on 25 September: nobody sails under a red flag.
If your date falls in an unsettled spell, send us a message on WhatsApp the evening before. We tell you what the marine office and the operator have decided. Our guide to Pattaya to Koh Larn by speedboat or ferry compares the public ferry with a speedboat.
Practical checklist
- Look at the flags on Pattaya Beach before you go to the pier; on 25 September the red flag came with a ban on all departures.
- Wear the life jacket on every boat crossing to Koh Larn and follow the crew.
- Save the Tourist Police hotline 1155 in your phone.
- Ask about your date on WhatsApp the evening before if the forecast looks stormy.
- Keep a spare day in your Pattaya plan in case a trip has to move.
Questions and answers
What happened at Pattaya on 25 September 2026?
Strong winds and high waves followed heavy rain. The Pattaya Marine Office raised a red flag and banned all boats from leaving shore. Thaiger reported that six boats sank and two parasailing boats were blown onto the beach.
Are boats to Koh Larn running now?
Yes, in the reports we read. Pattaya Mail described Tourist Police helping passengers board boats to Koh Larn on 26 October. Conditions can change, so check the flags and the weather on the day.
What does a red flag mean on Pattaya Beach?
In the marine office's action of 25 September, a red flag came with a ban on all boat departures. The office displayed red flags at offices and on beaches to warn residents and tourists.
What happens to my Koh Larn tour if the sea is unsafe?
On our tour the operator moves the trip to another date or refunds it. We tell you on WhatsApp once the marine office and the operator have decided.