Jomtien Beach experienced significant erosion due to fierce winds and waves yesterday, severely impacting a 1,000-metre stretch opposite the Pu Pen Restaurant.
Ekkarach Kantharo, Director of the Pattaya Regional Marine Department Office, attributed the damage to monsoon conditions, which have unleashed storms and towering waves across the Gulf of Thailand. The reinforced sand on the 2.8-kilometre-long Jomtien Beach was no match for the powerful waves.
A 1,000-metre section of the beach had its sand swept into the sea, while a 400-metre portion was carved into a steep 1.5-metre slope, creating a serious hazard for the public and tourists, especially after dark. As a result, the area has been temporarily cordoned off.
Urgent safety measures are underway to address the danger. The Pattaya Marine Department and Na Jomtien Municipality are deploying heavy machinery to level the hazardous slopes. Efforts to reclaim the sand from the sea and redistribute it are expected to take two to three days. Warning signs are being erected to alert the public and visitors about the erosion, advising them to stay clear of the area.
Rapeephan Rattanaliem, Mayor of Na Jomtien sub-district, assured that the municipality is swiftly addressing the disruptions caused by the erosion. Over the past two days, public health officials have been clearing sand from roads, and water trucks have been dispatched to wash the streets.
In collaboration with the Pattaya Marine Department, plans are in place to plant trees along the beach to prevent future sand encroachments. Heavy machinery will continue to level the sand to form a safer gradient. Public announcements will inform residents and tourists to avoid the area temporarily, even for photography and other activities, as reported by Pattaya Mail.
In related news, the tranquil serenity of Jomtien Beach was disrupted on May 5 by the noise of illicit fireworks. In response to numerous complaints from residents about noise pollution, Banglamung officials swiftly intervened, leading to the arrest of three vendors illegally selling pyrotechnics.
Credit: The Thaiger
