Pattaya —
Severe monsoon storms and heavy rains have caused terrible erosion along a 1,000-meter stretch of Na Jomtien Beach, posing a safety hazard to beachgoers and tourists.
Authorities from the Pattaya Harbor Office and Na Jomtien Municipality inspected the affected area on Monday, June 10th, and are taking immediate measures to address the issue.
According to Mr. Ekkarach Kantharo, Director of the Pattaya Harbor Office, the erosion is a natural phenomenon caused by the strong winds and waves associated with Thailand’s monsoon season. The affected area is an open beach, which extends for 2.8 kilometers and directly connects to the sea. Therefore, the area is particularly susceptible to erosion during this period, Mr. Ekkarach said.
The director went on to explain that the erosion has resulted in the loss of sand from a 1,000-meter section of the beach that was previously reinforced by the Harbor Department.
Additionally, a 400-meter section of the beach has been eroded down by over 1.5 meters, creating a steep slope that poses a safety hazard to beachgoers, especially at night.
To address these concerns, the Pattaya Harbor Department and Na Jomtien Municipality are jointly working to fill up the eroded area with sand using heavy machinery. They will also use the sand that had been washed into the sea to level the steep slope. Additionally, warning signs will be placed along the affected shoreline to advise the public to avoid using the area, especially at night.
Mr. Ekkarach revealed that the Pattaya Harbor Department is exploring long-term solutions such as planting trees along the shoreline to prevent further erosion. These trees would not only help reduce erosion, but also stabilize the sand and prevent it from being blown onto the nearby streets.
