PATTAYA, Thailand – Residents in Pattaya are voicing strong criticism over the ongoing excavation work on the road alongside the railway track for a large-scale drainage pipe installation project. The project, which has been in progress for several years, is aimed at preventing flooding in Pattaya city. However, despite its lengthy duration, the system is yet to be operational, and construction has returned to dig up the road again. This time, work is being carried out on both sides of the Siam Country Club road, leading to significant inconvenience for local commuters who rely on this route for their daily activities.
Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai explained that the ongoing work on the drainage system is a crucial part of the project. The installation of drainage pipes is intended to redirect floodwaters from the Nongprue municipality area, preventing them from flowing into the city center. The flooding problem has been especially problematic during heavy rainstorms, with areas such as the South Pattaya intersection and the road along the railway track near Soi Khao Talo experiencing significant waterlogging.
The Pattaya City Administration has initiated the construction of a drainage tunnel to divert water from these areas through a pumping system to a canal in Naklua, which should significantly reduce the amount of water entering the city and prevent prolonged flooding. However, while the contractor was installing the drainage system, issues arose regarding land acquisition near the Pattaya Railway Station, which was being prepared for the construction of a high-speed rail project under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) plan. As a result, the project had to be temporarily halted to modify the construction plans and seek approval for additional funding.
Now that the project has been approved, the contractor has resumed work, and the drainage pipes are being installed. Currently, Soi Siam Country Club road intersection is closed for the installation process, which is expected to take 15 days. The contractor has committed to completing the work in the next 10 days, after which the road will be fully accessible once again. The authorities have apologized for the inconvenience caused to road users and advised motorists to avoid the area during peak hours to help ease traffic congestion. Once completed, the project will significantly improve flood management in Pattaya.
