Pattaya's seawater is already polluted enough, but there's no excuse for this.
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Legal Action Moving Forward After Jomtien Beach Contractor Spills Wastewater Into Sea
February 3, 2026
A viral video circulating on social media has sparked widespread outrage after showing wastewater being discharged directly into the sea at Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, causing the seawater to turn black and murky.
The footage, posted by a Facebook user and rapidly shared online, depicts a truck from a beach improvement project allegedly releasing dark, polluted water into the ocean on February 2nd, 2026, around 10:00 a.m. The incident has raised serious concerns about environmental damage, public health risks, and the impact on tourism in the popular coastal area.
Reporters who visited the site confirmed that the location is part of an ongoing landscape improvement project at Jomtien Beach. The contractor was reportedly cleaning drainage pipes and a rainwater retention pond to prepare for heavy rainfall and prevent flooding. However, instead of proper disposal, sediment-laden and polluted water from the pond was pumped and released directly into the sea, leading to the discoloration.
In response, the Pattaya City administration acted swiftly. According to an official statement from the “Direct Line to the Pattaya Mayor” Facebook page (สายตรงนายกเมืองพัทยา), Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet ordered relevant officials to file a formal complaint with Pattaya City Police Station immediately after the incident. Legal action is being pursued against the contractor responsible for the improper discharge.
Additionally, a team of scientists from Pattaya City was dispatched to the site to collect water samples for quality testing. This is to assess the pollution levels and ensure the safety of residents and tourists.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has also intervened, with the Permanent Secretary instructing the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to urgently investigate and enforce legal measures under relevant environmental laws, including prohibitions on discharging waste into coastal areas.
This is not the first reported case of similar issues at Jomtien Beach, with past incidents showing recurring challenges in wastewater management during construction and maintenance projects in the region. Authorities have explained that corrective actions are being ordered immediately to halt the discharge and remediate the affected area.
Local officials and environmental advocates have urged stricter oversight of contractors to prevent future violations and protect Pattaya’s vital marine environment and tourism appeal.
Story and photos: https://thepattayanews.com/2026/02/03/204726/
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Drainage contractor discharged black water into Jomtien sea
by Amporn Sangkaew
February 3, 2026
The contractor hired to improve the drainage system along Jomtien beach faces legal action after an outlet released wastewater that stained the sea black on Monday.
Officials immediately suspended all work on the project and ensured the discharge returned to normal, according to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
Director-general Pinsak Suraswadi said an immediate inspection was ordered after photos and videos were posted on social media showing black water being discharged into the sea at Jomtien beach, immediately south of Pattaya in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri.
The polluting discharge came from an "improvement project" along Jomtien beach, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said on Tuesday.
The company, Dynamic Group Ltd, had been contracted to install a drainage pipeline and stormwater retention pits to prevent flooding during heavy rain.
During the work, sediment and contaminated water had accumulated inside the system, requiring cleaning before project handover. The city had instructed the contractor to pump all wastewater directly into the treatment system, Mr Poramet said.
However, the contractor instead excavated an additional sand pit and stored the wastewater for sedimentation before pumping it into the sea, causing the discolouration along the beach.
The city had filed a formal complaint with Pattaya city police, seeking legal action against the contractor.
A team would also collect seawater samples for testing for quality and any potential environmental impact, Mr Poramet said.
Story and photos: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... omtien-sea
I wouldn't swim in Jomtien seawater any time soon if I were you
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Gaybutton
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Re: I wouldn't swim in Jomtien seawater any time soon if I were you
Don't worry, it probably all gets washed down to Bang Saray.
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Re: I wouldn't swim in Jomtien seawater any time soon if I were you
The thing is, it probably really does. And who knows how much further? Also, who knows how much marine life has been poisoned? You certainly wouldn't find me in any of the local waters until it has been tested - reliably and accurately tested - and declared safe.
I hope the company responsible for this and the individuals who did this are severely penalized. But based on the local media's history of lack of follow-up reporting, we may never know.
Re: I wouldn't swim in Jomtien seawater any time soon if I were you
Fortunately for Jomtien's neighbors to the south polluted water (including chemicals) dumped near the coast usually get trapped in the local ecosystem before flowing south in the tide waters, which would include Jomtien beach and underwater mangroves, seagrass meadows, etc. Where waste like plastic and paper that gets dumped in Jomtien and/or Pattaya floats on the surface of the water and can make its way to Bang Saray.
Up until a few years ago when the Navy stepped in it wasn't unusual to see floating waste in Bang Saray from garbage being dumped along the shores in Jomtien/Pattaya, but fortunately for us that is now a very rare occurrence.
The Company managing that project in Jomtien, along with the idiot who actually dumped that sewer water in the bay, should be raked through the coals financially - and then face some jail time.
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Re: I wouldn't swim in Jomtien seawater any time soon if I were you
"Officials confirmed that the latest water quality tests showed conditions had returned to normal levels, and the discoloration had fully dissipated."
I hope so, but I have trouble trusting these test results, especially without any reports of who and how the tests were conducted. Even if the waters are back to 'normal' levels, I'm not so thrilled with the normal levels to begin with.
I also like this part: "urging authorities to rethink infrastructure planning in sensitive coastal tourism zones."
Rethink? Whose bright idea was placing these retention ponds along public beaches in the first place?
I think there ought to be a requirement that before this kind or work is permitted at all, the companies must coordinate with city officials and have city officials observe what they're doing and how they're doing it - and be empowered to put a stop to it before this sort of thing can happen. Do I expect the city to actually do something like that? Three guesses . . .
In any case, here's the article. Decide for yourself.
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After Pattaya Mayor’s inspection, Jomtien waters clear and tourists return
By Pattaya Mail
February 4, 2026
Pattaya City authorities have taken swift legal and corrective action following a public outcry over the discharge of wastewater into the sea at Jomtien Beach, confirming that seawater quality has now returned to normal and tourists have resumed swimming, while legal proceedings against the contractor are underway.
The incident came to light after images circulated widely on social media showing dark, polluted water being released into the sea near Jomtien Beach Soi 14, severely damaging Pattaya’s image as a world-class tourist destination. Initial inspections on February 2 found water quality at a “poor” level, prompting immediate intervention.
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet responded without delay, ordering city officials to file a formal complaint with Pattaya City Police and directing the city’s environmental science team to collect water samples for laboratory analysis. The contractor involved was instructed to immediately shut down the holding pond and pump all contaminated water to a proper treatment facility.
On Tuesday (Feb 3), Mayor Poramet personally led a follow-up site inspection alongside Deputy Mayors Manoch Nongyai and Kritsana Boonsawat, assistants to the mayor, and Pattaya City Council members. Officials confirmed that the latest water quality tests showed conditions had returned to normal levels, and the discoloration had fully dissipated. Tourists were later seen entering the water again along Jomtien Beach.
Mayor Poramet explained that the site is part of the Jomtien Beach landscape improvement and flood prevention project, involving a stormwater retention pond designed to channel rainwater into the main drainage system. The project began in September 2022 and is scheduled for completion by February 16.
However, investigations revealed that the contractor violated project agreements and environmental law by excavating a sand pit and temporarily storing wastewater there, hoping sediment would settle before releasing the water into the sea. This shortcut bypassed approved procedures and caused visible environmental damage.
“This action was illegal and unacceptable,” Mayor Poramet said. “It violated environmental regulations and harmed public confidence. Legal action has been taken, and the contractor has admitted wrongdoing and is fully cooperating. The activity has been immediately halted.”
While water clarity had improved visually even before the second inspection, authorities initially advised tourists to avoid swimming to prevent possible skin irritation. With the latest test results confirming normal water quality, beach activities have since resumed.
Strong Public Backlash
The incident triggered a fierce backlash on social media, with hundreds of comments expressing anger, frustration, and deep skepticism toward enforcement and accountability. Many residents and long-term visitors questioned how wastewater could be discharged in broad daylight at one of Pattaya’s busiest beaches without immediate intervention.
Several commenters said similar incidents have occurred repeatedly over the years, warning that public attention tends to fade while bad practices quietly resume. Others questioned whether action would have been taken at all had videos not gone viral, while some openly mocked Pattaya’s branding as a world-class tourist destination, saying untreated or poorly treated wastewater has no place on a public beach.
Parents voiced concern about safety, with some saying they would no longer allow their children to swim at Jomtien. Others reported experiencing skin irritation after swimming in the past, casting doubt on assurances about water treatment standards. A recurring theme in the criticism was weak enforcement, with commenters arguing that small fines and temporary suspensions fail to deter repeat violations.
While some residents welcomed the city’s swift inspections and visible response, many stressed that restoring public trust would require more than rapid cleanups. Calls grew for strict penalties, full transparency, and long-term measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Environmental advocates also used the incident to highlight broader structural concerns, questioning the placement of stormwater retention ponds directly along the beachfront. They warned of long-term risks including sediment buildup, poor visual impact, land subsidence, and the potential for seawater backflow, urging authorities to rethink infrastructure planning in sensitive coastal tourism zones.
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/after- ... urn-534558
I hope so, but I have trouble trusting these test results, especially without any reports of who and how the tests were conducted. Even if the waters are back to 'normal' levels, I'm not so thrilled with the normal levels to begin with.
I also like this part: "urging authorities to rethink infrastructure planning in sensitive coastal tourism zones."
Rethink? Whose bright idea was placing these retention ponds along public beaches in the first place?
I think there ought to be a requirement that before this kind or work is permitted at all, the companies must coordinate with city officials and have city officials observe what they're doing and how they're doing it - and be empowered to put a stop to it before this sort of thing can happen. Do I expect the city to actually do something like that? Three guesses . . .
In any case, here's the article. Decide for yourself.
________________________________________________________________
After Pattaya Mayor’s inspection, Jomtien waters clear and tourists return
By Pattaya Mail
February 4, 2026
Pattaya City authorities have taken swift legal and corrective action following a public outcry over the discharge of wastewater into the sea at Jomtien Beach, confirming that seawater quality has now returned to normal and tourists have resumed swimming, while legal proceedings against the contractor are underway.
The incident came to light after images circulated widely on social media showing dark, polluted water being released into the sea near Jomtien Beach Soi 14, severely damaging Pattaya’s image as a world-class tourist destination. Initial inspections on February 2 found water quality at a “poor” level, prompting immediate intervention.
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet responded without delay, ordering city officials to file a formal complaint with Pattaya City Police and directing the city’s environmental science team to collect water samples for laboratory analysis. The contractor involved was instructed to immediately shut down the holding pond and pump all contaminated water to a proper treatment facility.
On Tuesday (Feb 3), Mayor Poramet personally led a follow-up site inspection alongside Deputy Mayors Manoch Nongyai and Kritsana Boonsawat, assistants to the mayor, and Pattaya City Council members. Officials confirmed that the latest water quality tests showed conditions had returned to normal levels, and the discoloration had fully dissipated. Tourists were later seen entering the water again along Jomtien Beach.
Mayor Poramet explained that the site is part of the Jomtien Beach landscape improvement and flood prevention project, involving a stormwater retention pond designed to channel rainwater into the main drainage system. The project began in September 2022 and is scheduled for completion by February 16.
However, investigations revealed that the contractor violated project agreements and environmental law by excavating a sand pit and temporarily storing wastewater there, hoping sediment would settle before releasing the water into the sea. This shortcut bypassed approved procedures and caused visible environmental damage.
“This action was illegal and unacceptable,” Mayor Poramet said. “It violated environmental regulations and harmed public confidence. Legal action has been taken, and the contractor has admitted wrongdoing and is fully cooperating. The activity has been immediately halted.”
While water clarity had improved visually even before the second inspection, authorities initially advised tourists to avoid swimming to prevent possible skin irritation. With the latest test results confirming normal water quality, beach activities have since resumed.
Strong Public Backlash
The incident triggered a fierce backlash on social media, with hundreds of comments expressing anger, frustration, and deep skepticism toward enforcement and accountability. Many residents and long-term visitors questioned how wastewater could be discharged in broad daylight at one of Pattaya’s busiest beaches without immediate intervention.
Several commenters said similar incidents have occurred repeatedly over the years, warning that public attention tends to fade while bad practices quietly resume. Others questioned whether action would have been taken at all had videos not gone viral, while some openly mocked Pattaya’s branding as a world-class tourist destination, saying untreated or poorly treated wastewater has no place on a public beach.
Parents voiced concern about safety, with some saying they would no longer allow their children to swim at Jomtien. Others reported experiencing skin irritation after swimming in the past, casting doubt on assurances about water treatment standards. A recurring theme in the criticism was weak enforcement, with commenters arguing that small fines and temporary suspensions fail to deter repeat violations.
While some residents welcomed the city’s swift inspections and visible response, many stressed that restoring public trust would require more than rapid cleanups. Calls grew for strict penalties, full transparency, and long-term measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Environmental advocates also used the incident to highlight broader structural concerns, questioning the placement of stormwater retention ponds directly along the beachfront. They warned of long-term risks including sediment buildup, poor visual impact, land subsidence, and the potential for seawater backflow, urging authorities to rethink infrastructure planning in sensitive coastal tourism zones.
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/after- ... urn-534558
Re: I wouldn't swim in Jomtien seawater any time soon if I were you
I believe them.
The irony of course being that "normal levels" along Jomtien and Pattaya shorelines equates to "heavily polluted".
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Gaybutton
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Re: I wouldn't swim in Jomtien seawater any time soon if I were you
I agree. And the only reason these waters are polluted at all is because they have been allowed to become polluted. This pollution never had to happen and the waters should be pristine. When waste and other pollutants are dumped into the sea year after year, what do they think is going to happen?
If any of you folks want to swim in it be my guest, but include me out . . .
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Gaybutton
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Re: I wouldn't swim in Jomtien seawater any time soon if I were you
Here we go again!
"It's deja-vu all over again".
- Yogi Berra
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Residents Alarmed by Mysterious Drainage Pipe Emerging on Na Jomtien Beach, Polluting the Sea with Black Wastewater
by Adam Judd
February 18, 2026
Pattaya, Thailand– February 17th, 2026 – Local residents and beachgoers at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya have raised serious concerns after discovering a large drainage pipe protruding directly onto the sand, releasing a significant volume of black, foul-smelling wastewater straight into the sea.
A reporter from The Pattaya News visited the site near the intersection by “Pu Restaurant” (Raan Ahan Pu) on the southern end of Jomtien Beach, technically Na Jomtien, following viral clips shared by locals showing the pipe actively discharging dark, polluted water. The rectangular, large-diameter pipe was partially buried under sand and soil, making it appear as though it had suddenly “emerged” in the middle of the popular beach area. The discharge created a noticeable black plume spreading into the ocean, accompanied by a strong, unpleasant odor that permeated the surrounding environment.
Many visitors and sunbathers avoided the spot entirely, reluctant to sit or swim nearby due to the stench and visible pollution. Two local teenage girls, 15-year-old Apiranya Boonngam and 15-year-old Kanokporn Suntornsanit, who frequent the area, told reporters they had noticed the pipe for more than two months and that it was new. They expressed confusion about its origin, saying they had no idea which agency or contractor was responsible for installing or abandoning it while allowing apparently untreated wastewater to flow unchecked into the sea at Jomtien.
The pipe’s sudden visibility and ongoing discharge have left the community puzzled and frustrated, with many questioning how such a structure could be left exposed and operational in a major tourist beach zone without apparent oversight.
Local residents and online commentators have urged relevant authorities, including Pattaya City or Na Jomtien officials depending on jurisdiction, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and environmental agencies, to urgently inspect the site, identify the source and responsible party, and take immediate action to stop the pollution.
They called for swift repairs, proper redirection of any drainage, and measures to prevent further environmental damage to the beach and seawater, which could harm marine life, public health, and Pattaya’s tourism image. There is also concern that the open pipe could attract children or teens to explore it and possibly get injured.
This incident echoes previous wastewater discharge controversies at Jomtien Beach earlier this month (February 2026), when contractors working on a landscape and drainage improvement project were accused of pumping accumulated black wastewater directly into the sea, prompting legal action from Pattaya authorities as we reported here.
Officials have stated that such releases violate environmental laws, and investigations continue into similar infrastructure-related issues along the coast.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on this specific pipe sighting as of February 17th, but community pressure is mounting for a rapid response to restore the beach’s cleanliness and safety.
Story and photos: https://thepattayanews.com/2026/02/18/r ... astewater/
"It's deja-vu all over again".
- Yogi Berra
________________
Residents Alarmed by Mysterious Drainage Pipe Emerging on Na Jomtien Beach, Polluting the Sea with Black Wastewater
by Adam Judd
February 18, 2026
Pattaya, Thailand– February 17th, 2026 – Local residents and beachgoers at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya have raised serious concerns after discovering a large drainage pipe protruding directly onto the sand, releasing a significant volume of black, foul-smelling wastewater straight into the sea.
A reporter from The Pattaya News visited the site near the intersection by “Pu Restaurant” (Raan Ahan Pu) on the southern end of Jomtien Beach, technically Na Jomtien, following viral clips shared by locals showing the pipe actively discharging dark, polluted water. The rectangular, large-diameter pipe was partially buried under sand and soil, making it appear as though it had suddenly “emerged” in the middle of the popular beach area. The discharge created a noticeable black plume spreading into the ocean, accompanied by a strong, unpleasant odor that permeated the surrounding environment.
Many visitors and sunbathers avoided the spot entirely, reluctant to sit or swim nearby due to the stench and visible pollution. Two local teenage girls, 15-year-old Apiranya Boonngam and 15-year-old Kanokporn Suntornsanit, who frequent the area, told reporters they had noticed the pipe for more than two months and that it was new. They expressed confusion about its origin, saying they had no idea which agency or contractor was responsible for installing or abandoning it while allowing apparently untreated wastewater to flow unchecked into the sea at Jomtien.
The pipe’s sudden visibility and ongoing discharge have left the community puzzled and frustrated, with many questioning how such a structure could be left exposed and operational in a major tourist beach zone without apparent oversight.
Local residents and online commentators have urged relevant authorities, including Pattaya City or Na Jomtien officials depending on jurisdiction, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and environmental agencies, to urgently inspect the site, identify the source and responsible party, and take immediate action to stop the pollution.
They called for swift repairs, proper redirection of any drainage, and measures to prevent further environmental damage to the beach and seawater, which could harm marine life, public health, and Pattaya’s tourism image. There is also concern that the open pipe could attract children or teens to explore it and possibly get injured.
This incident echoes previous wastewater discharge controversies at Jomtien Beach earlier this month (February 2026), when contractors working on a landscape and drainage improvement project were accused of pumping accumulated black wastewater directly into the sea, prompting legal action from Pattaya authorities as we reported here.
Officials have stated that such releases violate environmental laws, and investigations continue into similar infrastructure-related issues along the coast.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on this specific pipe sighting as of February 17th, but community pressure is mounting for a rapid response to restore the beach’s cleanliness and safety.
Story and photos: https://thepattayanews.com/2026/02/18/r ... astewater/
Re: I wouldn't swim in Jomtien seawater any time soon if I were you
From the pictures...that's not a pipe, that's a drainage canal.
Obviously this canal was constructed intentionally to drain water from somewhere inland - to the sea, and had to have been constructed when they enlarged the beach several years ago in that area. That was a massive project that spanned nearly 2 years to complete where hundreds of tons of sand was supplied by barge ships anchored off shore.
Jomtien becomes Na Jomtien around Chaiyapruek Rd. on the far-southern side of Jomtien Beach where numerous large hotels and condominiums have been built over the past 10 years adjacent to the beach. I imagine if they follow the canal - they'll identify with the source of the polluted water. My guess is that the authorities already know. This didn't get there by accident, and If it wasn't for the erosion we'd probably never had known.
Gee, I wonder why there's been no formal comments from the authorities yet.
Obviously this canal was constructed intentionally to drain water from somewhere inland - to the sea, and had to have been constructed when they enlarged the beach several years ago in that area. That was a massive project that spanned nearly 2 years to complete where hundreds of tons of sand was supplied by barge ships anchored off shore.
Jomtien becomes Na Jomtien around Chaiyapruek Rd. on the far-southern side of Jomtien Beach where numerous large hotels and condominiums have been built over the past 10 years adjacent to the beach. I imagine if they follow the canal - they'll identify with the source of the polluted water. My guess is that the authorities already know. This didn't get there by accident, and If it wasn't for the erosion we'd probably never had known.
Gee, I wonder why there's been no formal comments from the authorities yet.
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Gaybutton
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