Posted on behalf of Brett Finniss of Gulf Charters Thailand

Q / ” Any update on the restriction on anchoring near islands? Particularly interested in Koh Phai?

The restrictions change practically daily depending on how the navy feel. Last I checked Koh PHai was fine to anchor through a bit rolly for a nighttime anchorage. It is also visited by a lot of day boats during the day.

Q / Additionally, does anyone have experience with anchoring off Pattaya Beach itself… towards Naklua?”

Anchoring off the front of Pattaya is impossible during the day as all the paragliding boats are running around. You can arrive late in the afternoon after they have finished but be prepared to leave very early in the morning. The further you move towards Naklua the better and then you will be able to anchor during the day.

However, you will be exposed to any southerly swell making it a rolly anchorage. Holding is good all along the beach but is careful you don’t hook up a crab pot or old rice sack. Just around the corner heading further north, you will find some protection from the southerly roll around from Naklua. Again be careful of crab pots, rice sacks, and the odd crazy fishing boat 🙂

Arrived at Pattaya a week ago and have Cleared in. Few changes from the above info. Immigration is still in Jomtien, But you need a letter from the Marina about your stay and a specific “Boat Slip and Storage Lease Agreement” form also provided by the marina. The crew and Passenger list are also essential. Immigration then must stamp your passport and return a copy of your forms back to you.

Cost us 500Bt. Next, is Maritime Office (Harbour Master), but this is done online. Unfortunately, the forms are in Thai, so you need to find someone who reads and speaks Thai to help with this. No fee, but believe there is one on Clearing out when you do online forms again but have to drop them off at their office at the south end of Pattaya. There are Agents, but they charge a fee not only for their help but to pay the “extra’s” to some officials.

Lastly, is Customs which has now moved office down to the U-Tapao Airport about 50km south of Ocean Marina. They charged a 270Bt fee. (agents say they have to pay more). We did Immigration and Customs ourselves and found a friend in the marina to do the Harbour Master. We hired a motorbike to get around. Took us 2 full days to sort out and complete.

Also, a word of warning, that the police do lots of random roadside license checks and you need to have an International License