Pattaya, March 21, 2025 – Residents and visitors to Wong Amat Beach in Pattaya are raising concerns over the misuse of public spaces, accusing local authorities of turning a blind eye to blatant violations. The controversy centers on a public footpath overtaken by over 100 parked motorcycles, resembling a private parking lot complete with an official security booth, and an unauthorized beachfront platform obstructing pedestrian access.
Locals report that the footpath, intended for public use, has been transformed into a de facto parking zone, leaving no space for villagers or tourists to park their vehicles. Meanwhile, behind a beachfront hotel, a newly constructed platform made of fresh eucalyptus wood extends approximately 10 meters into the sea. The structure, filled with layers of sand and featuring three tiered levels with steps, is topped with around 10 hammock beds designed to attract tourists. However, it severely blocks the beachside walkway, forcing pedestrians to detour either behind the beds or along the water’s edge.
The platform’s construction, still marked by the green hue of freshly cut wood, suggests it was built recently. This has sparked questions about its legality and origin. “Was this built by the city of Pattaya or the hotel? Does the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources know about it? Is it even legal?” asked one frustrated resident. Tourists echo these sentiments, describing the structure as unsightly, poorly designed, and an inconvenience that forces them to navigate awkwardly around it. “It’s not beautiful, it’s not up to standard, and we have to detour every time we pass,” one visitor remarked.
The concerns come just days after a government operation on March 19 targeted homeless individuals loitering at Wong Amat Beach. Authorities arrested a group of men and women, confiscating narcotics and pursuing legal action to address the negative impact on Pattaya’s image. During the operation, officials walked through the very areas now under scrutiny—passing the overcrowded motorcycle parking zone and the newly built platform—yet appeared to take no notice of the violations.
Both residents and tourists are now calling for urgent action. They urge local authorities to investigate who is responsible for the parking takeover and the beachfront construction, and to restore unobstructed access to the public spaces. “We just want the agencies to check this out and fix it quickly,” said a local.
