New Sea-Walker Regulations To Be Introduced In Pattaya

Representatives from seventeen sea-walking companies, met with police in Pattaya to discuss how the industry should be regulated.

The companies supply oxygen to tourist who hire their services, which permits them to walk along the seabed.

However, the industry has never had any official regulations to follow but recent incidents have brought about the need to introduce new controls and guidelines, both for the operators and the paying customers.

Over the years, there has been a few deaths but recent complaints regarding two Cambodian workers who allegedly fondled a 13-year-old girl as she walked under the sea at Koh Lan brought about the move to regulate the industry.

Other complaints came from insurance companies who have said they believe they have had to pay out false insurance claims to Chinese tourists, in what they believe to be scams.

The group met to discuss the safety aspect of the business and how they could introduce basic preventative measures to ensure customers have the support they require whilst under the water.

They talked about standardise equipment used including daily checks, again to provide customer safety.

Suggestions that all tourists should be thoroughly briefed before embarking on their sea-walk, including dress code were attended too.

All staff should undergo background checks before being offered employment was another hot topic. The idea of walking under the sea and the breathtaking views that this affords those who do it, is a fantastic one. Nevertheless, public safety has to be given due consideration.

Source: Thai Visa