Contractors have completed about 20 percent of the work to redevelop Jomtien Beach, but have removed a number of trees to the consternation of local residents.
The project begun in March aims to give the Jomtien beachfront a similar look to Pattaya Beach, with its wide promenade and public areas. Work covers 40,000 sq. meters from Yin Yom Beach to the Soi Chaiyapruek-Jomtien Beach Road intersection, a distance of four kilometers.
So far, many large trees have been removed, prompting widespread grumbling and online criticism of the city. The city, however, is urging patience, noting new trees will be planted eventually.
The Jomtien Beach beautification project is about 20% complete, and whilst contractors confirmed that some large trees are being removed, they asked for patience as palm trees will be planted in the near future.
Workers have started to lay sidewalk tiles after retouching the landscape and leveling the height to connect to the road. Work currently is focused on the 10,000 sq. meters surrounding the Dongtan Curve.
Over the years, Jomtien Beach has been heavily affected by rain, floods and erosion. City Hall inked a 270-million-baht contract with Nong Nooch Land and Garden Design Co. to renovate the beachfront to not only look better and offer more facilities, but better protect it from the elements.
Suntorn Sompramai, director of construction control for the Pattaya Engineering Department, said various meetings have been held to discuss future plans for the facelift. The project is slated for completion in 2017.
