PATTAYA, Thailand – Heavy rainfall in Pattaya has triggered the discharge of black wastewater from drainage pipes into the sea at Jomtien Beach, prompting public criticism online and renewed calls for urgent action over what locals describe as a recurring environmental problem. A video posted on social media by Chonburi MP for Constituency 10, Thanatharn Pramunpong, showing dark-colored water flowing from a drainage outlet into the sea near Jomtien Beach quickly circulated online. The clip drew widespread attention and criticism, particularly over concerns about environmental damage, tourism impact, and seawater quality in the popular beach destination. Following the online reaction, reporters visited the area near Boat Pier A, opposite a bank on Jomtien Beach, where black wastewater was observed flowing from a drainage pipe into the sea, consistent with the footage shared online. However, the volume of discharge had decreased compared to the morning after rainfall had stopped.
Local boat tour operators said the issue has been occurring repeatedly, especially during heavy rain, and has begun affecting marine tourism operations, including boat boarding and docking activities. They explained that water flow and erosion have damaged the sloped boarding area, making operations increasingly difficult during storm conditions. Operators added that at present only Pier A remains fully usable for boat services, while Pier B is still under renovation. This leaves limited operational capacity, meaning any recurrence of flooding or drainage overflow directly affects tourism services. They have called on Pattaya City and relevant agencies to urgently address the drainage and coastal management issues, warning that without long-term solutions, the problem will continue to disrupt both the environment and local tourism activities whenever heavy rain occurs.
