I used Noonsite a lot before checking into Thailand, but I could not find much information on checking in at Pattaya, in the Thai Gulf.

I have just checked our Danish registered boat into Thailand at the Ocean Marina in Pattaya. I hope this feedback will help other sailors to decide on the best place to clear-in.

General process:

The clearance rules are very inconsistent in this region. It is very rare to have a foreign boat appear in port. I have sailed across the Pacific with a few other Danish boats and most of them went to Phuket. We, however, decided to take a break in Pattaya.

Despite the authorities claiming you can do clearance yourself, they do it in Thai and play games to extend the time it takes and gain more fees. It was a bureaucratic shock for me, despite being a Thai and I could fluently communicate in Thai, the red tape and the inconsistency took me by surprise.

The Port authority in Laem ChaBang asked us to provide a captain master license, a rule that normally applies to large commercial vessels. The authorities insist on this paperwork from a foreign boat of any size. In my opinion this region is not ready for leisure boats and is only suitable for commercial vessels.

Currently the agent fee is between 23,500 bahts – 25,000 bahts. Two agencies are available nearby the marina. They will arrange an immigration officer (Chom Thien) to come to the marina, the warantee for the captain, organise the paper with the Port authority at Laem Chabang and the Customs at U-Tapao airport. Each of these offices are more than 60 km apart.

Once your boat is checked in, it can remain in Thailand up to 2.5 years. Every 6 months you are required to extend the custom clearance paper at U-Tapao airport which operates from 8.30-16.30 Mon-Fri. They open at weekends, but the fee is doubled. Alternatively engaging the agent will cost you 3,500 Bahts.

Be reprepared for additional paperwork including a photo of your engine, photo of your boat with its name and homeport, statement from the marina for your presence, copy of your passport and the page that shows your latest entry to the country and a spread sheet with various other bits of information.

Note that there is no duty-free offer for any foreign boat residing in Thailand. If you order things from an overseas website (non Thai commercial zone affiliated) you will have to pay a hefty duty fee of 15-30% of the value or what they think the value will be.

Ocean Marina, Pattaya:

The dock/marina staff provide a great help both coming in and out. Ocean Marina on VHF Channel 12. They offer a marina membership (for our 47ft monohull we paid approx. 65,000 Bahts per year). That is lower than the monthly docking fee of 18,000 Bahts per month. Electricity (32amp socket required) and non-drinkable water are available at the berth charged extra by the unit. Generally the docks are meticulously clean, however the marina does not like any grinding or painting work done at your berth. There is a boatyard and large lifting gantry 400 m away. Hoist in and out for a 47ft cost around 18,000 Bahts. Free hull water spray included in the price. Shower and toilet are located nearby. There are charter boat operations operating in the marina day and night.

There is no official sailing yacht club here.

There is a minimart close to the marina with a good range of beers and wine. Food delivery is possible via online shopping and drop off at the Ocean Marina Yatch Club.

Local cruising around Pattaya:

The gulf of Thailand is a gem for cruising in my opinion, after visiting the islands of Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood. It is NE moonsoon season right now, but for some reason we have experienced W and S winds too.

The nicest island to visit is Koh Mak. This is very quiet, beautiful gem of the Thai Gulf with a really white, sandy beach and rich coral. I personally spotted a 4 meter whale shark while snorkling off the rock at Koh Rang National Park.

Koh Chang has two marina facilities to offer on the West and the South side. I have not investigated, but one seems to be a deep water marina.

It’s worth noting that some islands in this region are run by the Thai military as navy bases (Koh Khram Yai). Entry at day time only and a small fee applies.

Mooring at Koh Samed, the locals told me to call channel 16 to inform some local boats before doing so.

Be cautious sailing at night as there are many fishing nets, they are numbered and the lines (only white buoys are visible at the surface) are sunken and could be 4 miles long across the water. The small lit frags are marked 10 meters apart. It is possible to sail through these, I experienced it with the gear in neutral. Fishing boats here seem to use green bright light and do not follow any nautical rules.

We were lucky to get hold of a sailing guide during the trip. It is free to download ”Koh Chang sailing guide”. The guide provides good enough information for a beginner to explore the area by sea.

Clearing out:

Clearance is required if you decide to leave the region. Customs confirmed that should we wish to leave the port ie. sailing to Samui, Pattanee or Phuket, then we must clear out from U-TaPao office first.

Mai Rasmussen

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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising.

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