Black Wastewater Pollutes Jomtien Beach After Heavy Rain
Black wastewater from a drainage pipe polluted Jomtien Beach in Pattaya after heavy rain on Saturday, with boat operators warning the recurring problem damages tourism and their livelihoods.
Heavy rain in Chonburi sparked environmental alarm on Saturday when black wastewater was observed pouring from a drainage pipe directly into the sea at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya. The incident gained wider attention after Chonburi MP Thanatharn Pramoonpong posted video footage of the dark water discharge, prompting concerns about water pollution and damage to Pattaya's tourism image.
Inspectors who visited the area near tourist boat ramp A, across from Siam Commercial Bank on Jomtien Beach, confirmed that black water continued flowing from the drainage pipe into the sea. Though the discharge volume decreased as rainfall subsided, local boat operators reported the problem occurs regularly during heavy downpours, eroding the boat ramp and complicating vessel movements.
Operators have urged Pattaya City and relevant agencies to implement a lasting fix, warning that repeated discharges harm both their livelihoods and the reputation of one of the city's premier tourist destinations.
The wastewater incident was not isolated. Heavy rain also caused structural damage elsewhere in Chonburi when a partially constructed factory wall in Si Racha district collapsed, releasing large quantities of foam packaging waste into surrounding neighborhoods. Residents reported foam fragments scattered across streets and drainage systems, sparking concerns over environmental damage and demands for cleanup and investigation of the construction site.
Authorities have faced pressure to investigate both incidents and implement preventive measures ahead of future rainfall.
