Okay I know, technically this Thai fishing boat (see photos below) is not a “junk”, but technically, going off appearances alone, this boat could be classed as “junk”. You see many rundown old fishing boats in Thailand but I can’t remember ever seeing one this scruffy. I’ve seen what I call “bare bones transport” on the roads of Pattaya, I’ve seen the oldest jet ski in Thailand, and now I have seen the marine version of “bare-bones transport”, I reckon this is the oldest, scruffiest fishing boat I have seen in Thailand. This picture was taken on Pattaya’s Naklua Fishing Pier.
I’m sure the fisherman who owns this boat won’t venture too far, he probably fishes the coastal waters and tributaries around Pattaya.
The photo above shows colored ribbons attached to the prow of the boat, these colored ribbons, and garlands of flowers are seen on nearly all Thai fishing boats and long-tail boats alike. They are an offering to “Mae Yanang” the Goddess of travel, aka “The Journey Goddess” in the hope she will ensure a safe passage to travelers. The Journey Goddess must surely be looking after this Thai fishing boat.