PATTAYA, Thailand — Mayor Poramet Ngampichet inspected progress on the Pattaya Second Road resurfacing project, urging contractors to accelerate work and meet the September 20 deadline ahead of the Pattaya Marathon. The project covers Pattaya Second Road from North Pattaya to the Wat Chaimongkol intersection. Work between Central Pattaya and North Pattaya is now about 50% complete, while the South Pattaya to Central intersection section is approximately 10% complete.
Poramet said the first section, between Central and North Pattaya, is being upgraded using a recycling method. The section from the Wat Chaimongkol intersection to Central Pattaya will use an overlay method after inspections found the underlying road structure remains in good condition. The two sections will then be connected to provide a continuous upgraded road surface while keeping costs under control. The entire project is scheduled for completion by September 20, ahead of the Pattaya Marathon September 26-27. Contractors who fail to meet the contractual deadline will face penalties under the terms of the contract.
During the inspection, city officials also listened to complaints and construction-related problems. One issue involves metal grates on the road surface that may create noise when vehicles pass over them. The city said it would inspect and address the problem, which has also generated complaints in other areas. Poramet said additional streetlights are also being installed along Pattaya Second Road as part of a wider project to move electricity and communications cables underground along nine routes. Existing utility poles are scheduled to be removed by the end of the year, requiring new standalone streetlights to replace lights currently mounted on utility poles.
Similar work is underway on Pattaya Third Road. Reports of streetlights being out along the route are linked to the ongoing electrical system upgrade and underground cabling work, officials said.
The construction is not expected to have a major impact on businesses because the road will not be completely closed. Work will generally restrict traffic to one lane, while the current low season is helping reduce the impact on traffic and businesses. Some businesses have raised concerns about construction dust. Pattaya City has instructed contractors to increase water spraying to reduce dust levels.
The city is also preparing upgrades for several other major roads. On Sukhumvit Road between North Pattaya and the Naklua intersection, severe deterioration has been found. Although a contractor has been selected, inspections discovered subsidence in the soil beneath the road structure. Officials are now addressing the foundation problem before resurfacing begins to prevent further subsidence. The Sanitation Engineering Office has begun injecting cement slurry into the ground to stabilize the underlying soil before proceeding with the approved road improvement project. Jomtien Second Road is also scheduled to undergo similar improvements.
Poramet said Pattaya would gradually upgrade road surfaces and sidewalks across the city when funding becomes available, with the goal of improving safety and road conditions.
He urged motorists, pedestrians and businesses to exercise extra caution and allow additional travel time while construction work continues.
