Koh Larn speedboat operators brawl over passengers, prices

On August 27, a brawl erupted between rival speedboat operators on Koh Larn, Thailand, reportedly due to competition for passengers and price undercutting. Video footage of the altercation resurfaced on social media, depicting groups of men arguing and exchanging punches on a beachfront road at Tawaen Beach in Na Kluea subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. The incident occurred in front of numerous tourists visiting the popular beach.

Tensions had reportedly been escalating between two factions of operators - one comprised of long-standing speedboat operators on Koh Larn, while the other consisted of Pattaya-based operators who had recently entered the service on the island. The dispute had persisted for an extended period before erupting into violence, as captured on video.

Following the incident, several Koh Larn speedboat operators expressed their disapproval of the violence through online criticism, arguing that such conflicts are detrimental to the island's reputation. They also urged Pattaya City officials to enforce stricter regulations on speedboat operators operating on Koh Larn to prevent future clashes and safeguard the island's tourism image.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Chon Buri, a Thai boat driver was reported to have assaulted another driver by painting his face green and beating him with a crowbar, alleging the victim's behavior resembled that of a mafia member. The altercation reportedly left the victim's right ear severely injured.