Pattaya Mayor Orders Legal Action Against Contractor for Releasing Wastewater into Jomtien Beach Sea

On February 3, 2026, Pramote Ngampichet, Mayor of Pattaya in Chonburi Province, investigated the wastewater release into the sea near Jomtien Beach, following online videos showing the seawater turning black, raising environmental and tourism image concerns. Investigation revealed the incident occurred within the Jomtien Beach landscape improvement project by Dynamic Group Company, which was constructing drainage pipe and rainwater retention systems to address flooding and coastal erosion. Mayor Pramote explained that the pond was for rainwater collection, not wastewater, but construction had accumulated sediment and wastewater in the system, requiring cleaning before project handover. Pattaya had instructed the contractor to pump all wastewater directly into treatment systems. However, the contractor deviated from instructions by digging additional sand pits, storing wastewater to settle sediment, and then pumping some water into the sea - an incorrect action that changed seawater color and damaged the tourist destination's image. Pattaya has filed a complaint with Pattaya Police Station to pursue legal action against the contractor and has dispatched city scientists to collect and analyze seawater samples.