No surprise. Much of the infrastructure in Pattaya is third world.
Waste water, clean water, roads and pavements are certainly in that category. Telecoms and electricity appear to be exceptions.
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
I have no reason to doubt the "official" explanation, but whether that is truly what happened and whether to trust the explanation - well, as the Thais say, "up to you". Personally I would be satisfied that swimming in those waters is safe as soon as I see those "officials" saying it's safe down at the beach and swimming in those waters themselves.
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Jomtien Beach deemed safe for swimming as Pattaya reaffirms environmental care
By Pattaya Mail
February 21, 2026
Local authorities have moved quickly to reassure the public that Jomtien Beach remains safe for swimming, following online concerns over a structure resembling a wastewater discharge pipe along the shoreline near the well-known Poo Pen seafood restaurant area.
Na Jomtien Mayor Rapeepan Rattanliam clarified that the structure seen in viral videos is part of the Na Jomtien Municipality’s wastewater treatment system, specifically a retention and treatment pond designed to manage both wastewater and rainwater before entering the sea under controlled conditions.
According to the mayor, the dark-colored water observed flowing into the sea occurred during a period of heavy rainfall, when a large volume of stormwater and wastewater entered the system simultaneously. Combined with increased discharge from nearby businesses, this temporarily exceeded the system’s capacity at certain points, causing overflow mixed with natural sediment from the bottom of the pond, as well as tidal movement from the sea.
She emphasized that the facility’s primary role is to manage rainwater and treated effluent, and that the odor noticed by residents may have been a natural sea smell, not untreated wastewater. Nonetheless, municipal officials have continued on-site inspections to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence.
The Na Jomtien Municipality has also strengthened monitoring of local businesses. Public health officials routinely inspect grease traps at restaurants and commercial establishments, while municipal engineers regularly test water quality to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
In addition, Na Jomtien has coordinated with Pattaya to conduct scientific water quality tests in the affected area. Results confirm that salinity and water clarity remain within normal standards, with no abnormalities detected that would impact marine life, public health, or tourism.
Authorities stress that environmental protection is a shared priority, and that both Pattaya and neighboring municipalities remain committed to safeguarding coastal ecosystems while ensuring that beaches remain clean, safe, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
Officials reaffirmed that Jomtien Beach is safe for recreational activities, including swimming, and encouraged the public to rely on verified information while reporting any concerns directly to local authorities for prompt investigation.
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/jomtie ... are-536606
_______________________________________________________________________
Jomtien Beach deemed safe for swimming as Pattaya reaffirms environmental care
By Pattaya Mail
February 21, 2026
Local authorities have moved quickly to reassure the public that Jomtien Beach remains safe for swimming, following online concerns over a structure resembling a wastewater discharge pipe along the shoreline near the well-known Poo Pen seafood restaurant area.
Na Jomtien Mayor Rapeepan Rattanliam clarified that the structure seen in viral videos is part of the Na Jomtien Municipality’s wastewater treatment system, specifically a retention and treatment pond designed to manage both wastewater and rainwater before entering the sea under controlled conditions.
According to the mayor, the dark-colored water observed flowing into the sea occurred during a period of heavy rainfall, when a large volume of stormwater and wastewater entered the system simultaneously. Combined with increased discharge from nearby businesses, this temporarily exceeded the system’s capacity at certain points, causing overflow mixed with natural sediment from the bottom of the pond, as well as tidal movement from the sea.
She emphasized that the facility’s primary role is to manage rainwater and treated effluent, and that the odor noticed by residents may have been a natural sea smell, not untreated wastewater. Nonetheless, municipal officials have continued on-site inspections to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence.
The Na Jomtien Municipality has also strengthened monitoring of local businesses. Public health officials routinely inspect grease traps at restaurants and commercial establishments, while municipal engineers regularly test water quality to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
In addition, Na Jomtien has coordinated with Pattaya to conduct scientific water quality tests in the affected area. Results confirm that salinity and water clarity remain within normal standards, with no abnormalities detected that would impact marine life, public health, or tourism.
Authorities stress that environmental protection is a shared priority, and that both Pattaya and neighboring municipalities remain committed to safeguarding coastal ecosystems while ensuring that beaches remain clean, safe, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
Officials reaffirmed that Jomtien Beach is safe for recreational activities, including swimming, and encouraged the public to rely on verified information while reporting any concerns directly to local authorities for prompt investigation.
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/jomtie ... are-536606
Re: I wouldn't swim in Jomtien seawater any time soon if I were you
A few tips:
Avoid swimming in coastal areas that have other water inlets feeding into the ocean near by, especially drainage canals. Not controlling the accidental drainage of sewerage along Jomtien seems to be the main culprit for contaminated water.
Always wait 48 hours before swimming in any area in the ocean after drainage of sewerage has been reported.
Always shower with fresh water immediately after swimming in the ocean - regardless if you think the water is contaminated or not.
Drinks lots of water before/after swimming in the ocean to stay hydrated.
Other than that just use common sense; If the water looks mirky and/or has a bad odor avoid swimming altogether.
Splish-splash!
Avoid swimming in coastal areas that have other water inlets feeding into the ocean near by, especially drainage canals. Not controlling the accidental drainage of sewerage along Jomtien seems to be the main culprit for contaminated water.
Always wait 48 hours before swimming in any area in the ocean after drainage of sewerage has been reported.
Always shower with fresh water immediately after swimming in the ocean - regardless if you think the water is contaminated or not.
Drinks lots of water before/after swimming in the ocean to stay hydrated.
Other than that just use common sense; If the water looks mirky and/or has a bad odor avoid swimming altogether.
Splish-splash!
Re: I wouldn't swim in Jomtien seawater any time soon if I were you
I recently saw a visible area where the water was much murkier than elsewhere on the beach. A step change from brown to blue was visible.
Yet, there were plenty of people in the murky brown part.
I'd imagine it didn't kill anyone, but on the other hand, would you want to swim in anything that resembles a sewer?
Yet, there were plenty of people in the murky brown part.
I'd imagine it didn't kill anyone, but on the other hand, would you want to swim in anything that resembles a sewer?
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Gaybutton
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Re: I wouldn't swim in Jomtien seawater any time soon if I were you
Probably not the world's greatest idea to join them. Of course if you happen to spot the boy of your dreams in the water, you might want to wait until he comes out before talking to him. If he accepts your offer, make sure he takes a thorough shower before "doin' what comes naturally" . . .
Re: I wouldn't swim in Jomtien seawater any time soon if I were you
I remember my old friend the infamous "Monty" saying one time - that if the Thais are swimming in the ocean it's safe to go in - and if they're not it's best to avoid it.
As time went on I learned that he was actually right.
As time went on I learned that he was actually right.