The management of a luxury condominium in Bangkok is under scrutiny after improper chlorination of tap water led to eye infections among nearly 200 residents. The issue surfaced about four weeks ago and remains unresolved, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to threaten legal action if the problem persists.
Health officials from Chatuchak district first became aware of the issue on June 14, when 90 residents reported eye inflammation. The condominium, located in the Lat Phrao area, has units costing around 10 million baht. Tests by the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority revealed no residual free chlorine in the water tanks, which is essential for preventing microbial contamination.
Officials advised the condominium management to maintain standard levels of residual free chlorine and banned the use of the swimming pool. Despite efforts to disinfect the water tanks starting on June 21, subsequent examinations found acanthamoeba, a parasite causing eye infections, in the tap water.
By June 26, the number of reported eye infections had risen to 200. Residents lodged complaints with the Ministry of Public Health and the BMA on July 1 and 2. Further inspections revealed that three water tanks had not been properly cleaned or chlorinated, failing to meet safety standards.
The Chatuchak district office recommended improvements on July 4, and officials are scheduled to revisit the building. The BMA has warned that legal action will be taken if water quality standards are not met.
