Plastic bags litter the
area near the beach, whilst not far away, there is a smelly bush area
being used as a public toilet.
Veechan Souksi
Of all the Pattaya area’s beaches, Dongtan is one of the most
popular. The area provides a beautiful, spacious atmosphere and features
a long footpath stretching to Pratamnak Hill. Beach vendors offer food
and drink, making this relaxing spot even more so.
Not long ago, Dongtan was very clean and popular, as the area was well
maintained. Because of the increased number of visitors in recent years,
however, parts of the beach have turned into a public toilet and bags of
garbage have been seen in the area, especially near where the beach
connects to the Pratamnak area.
The blight was particularly evident on New Year’s Eve at Pratamnak Soi
5. The beach was packed with tourists and beach vendors. Many people who
walked along the footpath could not miss the smell of urine from the
bushes. There are no toilets or restrooms provided for tourists in this
area and the place seems to get worse every day. The “keep clean” signs
are simply ignored with bottles and garbage bags gradually piling up.
“Years ago, this place was pleasant and not as busy as it is now. The
beach vendors weren’t as numerous and the beach was more spacious. Now
that this place has got more popular, the beach is not all that clean
anymore an I’m surprised that this section does not have a restroom,”
said Stephan Stockly, a 62-year old British tourist who visits every
winter.
“I normally see tourists and locals disappear into the bushes near the
footpath to do their personal business, leaving an awful smell when you
walk past the area. The garbage bags are also disorganized and are
sometimes left there for days before anybody comes along to collect
them,” he said.
Saleewan Buncherd, a 44 year old beach vendor, said she has worked in
the area for years and has “never seen the place so busy and dirty.” She
said she hauls away her own trash, but laments there is no public
toilet.
“Thank God I’m staying at a place nearby and am able to do my personal
business there,” she said. “The area smells really bad and many tourists
walk past the area with their nose plugged. Can’t city hall do something
about this? Maybe they can turn the area back into the beautiful place
it used to be.”
