Speedboat operators battle for baht from tourists in Pattaya twice in one day
A fist fight erupted among two groups of speed boat operators at Bali Hai Cape in Pattaya on Saturday afternoon as they battled over customers seeking a swift ride to Koh Larn.
It was their second battle of the day, according to a local resident.
The second fight broke out in Chonburi's Bang Lamung district at 5pm. Two groups of speedboat operators started shouting at each other before their fists started flying.
The brawl sparked panic among tourists.
Officials warned both groups to calm down, but the boat operators continued fighting until police arrived.
The sight of the men in brown caused the brawling gentlemen to disperse.
A local resident, who asked not to be named, said brawls over customers are frequent among speedboat operators at Bali Hai Cape. In fact, the fight in the afternoon was the second of the day, the source said, adding that the first one occurred in the morning.
They were fighting over customers who wanted to travel by speedboat to the island, the local resident explained.
Brawling speed boat operators do not enhance Pattaya's image among tourists, and even though no one was injured during the fight on Saturday afternoon, relevant agencies should step in to bring an end to the battles for baht from tourists before they escalate, the source advised.
