Prem Demands Water Transparency, Mafia Probe for Jomtien Blue Flag

Dr. Prem urges disclosure of Jomtien Beach seawater test results, investigation into masterminds, recommends establishing a war room, risk-point registry, water testing and safety plans to pave the way for Blue Flag certification. On November 3, 2026, at Parliament, Senator Dr. Prem Piyayura debated the committee report on developing Jomtien Beach to Blue Flag standards. He said upgrading the beach must answer whether seawater is safe for children to swim in, whether the public can still use the area fairly, and who to call for help when incidents occur. Blue Flag standards cover water quality, environmental management, information, safety, services, and access, all requiring continuous upkeep throughout certification. Dr. Prem added that when black water flows from pipes onto the beach, responsible agencies must release test results so the public knows if swimming is safe, while also demanding follow-up after Pattaya City lodged a police complaint against a contractor on February 3, 2026, for pumping construction-site water into the sea despite orders to channel it into treatment systems. Regarding the late-September 2026 event where the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources attributed black water to heavy rain accumulated in drainage pipes, he insisted each incident be investigated separately, and proposed mapping pipes and overflow risk points, inspecting business treatment systems by risk level, and publishing all results on beach signage and online with sampling points, times, and swimming guidance. Dr. Prem also addressed complaints about influential figures on the beach, demanding evidence-based probes into illegal fee collection, intimidation, vendor obstruction, or impersonation of officials, with protection for law-abiding vendors. He called for open zoning maps showing vending and recreation areas, posted service rates and licensee lists, dedicated patrol teams at risk points, and a trackable complaint channel that can be escalated to outside agencies if local influence is a concern. On complaints about sexual services, he urged focus on coercion, exploitation, and human trafficking, with urgent protection for children and victims. Dr. Prem further proposed that Pattaya City lead a joint task force with environmental agencies, police, social services, communities, and operators. Within 90 days, the task force must publish a risk-point registry, water-quality testing plan, business inspection plan, and safety plan, then report progress monthly alongside Blue Flag readiness assessments covering lifeguards, life-saving equipment, toilets, waste management, and disabled access. Success, he said, must be measured by verified clean water, fair shared use of the beach, and resolved complaints — so children can swim with confidence, seniors can walk safely, and honest vendors can earn a living without intimidation. Global standards begin with local work done sincerely and without discrimination.