Thai warship to protect Pattaya-Hua Hin ferry

After rough seas delay launch, naval frigate to maintain constant contact with ferries traveling between Pattaya & Hua Hin.

TRANSPORTATION & THE MILITARY 

Naval warship to protect Pattaya-Hua Hin ferry 

5/01/2017

Online reporters and Chaiyot Pupattanapong

The navy has assigned the frigate HTMS Kraburi to protect the Pattaya-Hua Hin ferry.

A frigate is a light warship that is smaller and has less firepower than a destroyer often traveling with other ships to protect them (an escort).  

The ferry finally made its first trip on Thursday after rough seas delayed the unofficial launch that was scheduled for January 1st.

FRIGATE ASSIGNED TO ENSURE SECURITY IN UPPER GULF OF THAILAND 

The frigate was already deployed in the upper part of the Gulf of Thailand, a statement by the navy said. 

It was assigned work with the Marine Department to ensure maritime security, especially for the Pattaya-Hua Hin ferry service.

HTMS Kraburi would escort and remain in constant contact with the ferries of the Royal Passenger Liner Co Ltd, the operator of the two-hour trip between the two popular tourist destinations.

FREE TRIPS UNTIL JANUARY 15th 

The service launched unofficially on Jan 1, with free passage offered until Jan 15 and the official opening set for Jan 12. 

However, the first run of the ferry was delayed by rough seas in the Gulf, until Thursday, Jan 5.

The company is currently using only one of its three ferries, offering one daily return trip. 

NORMAL FARE WILL BE 1,250 BAHT 

The ferry will be docked on Jan 11 for maintenance and checks ahead of the official launch the following day January 12. 

Departure time is set at 8.30am and the return trip at 3pm. 

The ferry is scheduled to depart Hua Hin for Pattaya return from Jan 7 to 10 and from Pattaya to Hua Hin return on Jan 13 to 15.

After the fare-free period, the basic ticket cost will be 1,250 baht a trip per person.

CHINESE FERRIES: 38-METRES LONG, CARRYING 339 PASSENGERS 

The ferry company has bought three 38-metre long ferries from China, each capable of carrying 339 passengers. 

Each ferry has 286 seats on the first deck, with 44 business class seats on the upper deck and two VIP rooms. 

Prices for the upper deck have not been announced.

There is a crew of eight on the ferry (eight crew members). 

The ferries can travel up to a speed of 27 knots, according to the ferry boat company.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1174868/frigate-assigned-to-escort-pattaya-hua-hin-ferry

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