Pattaya Council Tackles Traffic, Park, and Toilet Woes

PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City Council has placed several everyday problems affecting residents and visitors under scrutiny, including traffic congestion on Jomtien Beach Road, deteriorating park facilities, and hygiene concerns with mobile toilets at Bali Hai Pier during its regular meeting on September 16. The meeting, chaired by Council President Phraiwan Aromchuen, saw the attendance of Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, city administrators, council members, and department heads. Council members raised motions, amendments, and questions, providing an opportunity to bring problems reported by residents and visitors directly to city officials and seek updates on proposed solutions. Council member Suchart Khunjeng questioned the traffic congestion issues on Jomtien Beach Road, where the relatively narrow road can create difficulties, particularly during weekends and holiday periods when visitor numbers increase. City officials explained measures being considered to ease congestion and improve the management of the road and surrounding area. This issue is particularly relevant as Jomtien continues to attract residents, tourists, and businesses, putting greater pressure on roads that must serve both everyday local traffic and large numbers of visitors. Council member Thanaphat Udomrattanakulchai raised concerns about the condition of children's playground equipment, exercise facilities, and other public amenities at Lan Pho Chaloem Phra Kiat Park and Khlong Nok Yang Park in Naklua. Some equipment had deteriorated or become damaged, raising concerns about the safety of people using the facilities. He also asked about improvements to the access route near the Lan Pho car park building and safety measures following several accidents reported along the roadside. City officials stated that safety measures were being addressed. Damaged children's playground equipment at Khlong Nok Yang Park has already been removed to prevent possible injuries, while the city is considering replacing it with new equipment. For public parks, the issue extends beyond mere appearance; playgrounds, exercise equipment, and walking areas are facilities residents and visitors expect to be safe and usable. Council member Sanchai Phonluk-in raised another issue that is difficult to ignore at one of Pattaya’s best-known tourist areas: unpleasant smells and wastewater flowing onto the road from mobile toilet vehicles at Bali Hai Pier. This condition can affect both cleanliness and the image of the area, especially as Bali Hai serves as an important gateway for visitors travelling between Pattaya and Koh Larn. City officials outlined measures to address the problem and said cleaning and hygiene would be monitored continuously. The meeting highlighted a familiar challenge for a rapidly developing tourism city. While major projects often attract attention, the quality of a city is also judged by the everyday details residents and visitors encounter – whether roads move smoothly, public facilities are safe, and tourist areas are clean. The council's questions provide a mechanism for these problems to reach city officials and for progress to be followed up. Pattaya City stated it remains focused on turning recommendations and complaints raised through the council into practical action, covering traffic management, public safety, public spaces, and hygiene. For residents, the measure of success will ultimately be visible on the ground – a safer park, a cleaner tourist area, and roads that work better when Pattaya becomes busy.