Pattaya, Thailand – Residents of Mab Song-Nong Yai Soi 2, Moo 6, In the Nongprue Subdistrict, have been grappling with a persistent foul odor emanating from a nearby stagnant pond for over a year. Despite multiple complaints lodged with the Nongprue Municipality since early 2024, locals report that authorities have allegedly done little beyond conducting cursory inspections.
A visit to the site revealed that the pond, originally spanning over 0.1 hectares, has been partially filled in by the landowner with construction debris, including cement fragments, foam boxes, plastic waste, and black garbage bags floating on the remaining stagnant water. The resulting pile of refuse has created a noxious smell, particularly after rainfall or when carried by the wind.
According to residents, the pond was once a community resource where locals fished and collected water for gardening. However, since early 2024, the landowner began filling the area with debris, including household waste, without proper oversight. “We bought land next to this pond, but now it’s unbearable,” one resident told reporters. “The smell is worst when it rains, and it’s affecting our plans to open a restaurant and lodging business. How can we attract customers with this environment?”
Despite repeated complaints to the Nongprue Municipality, residents say officials have allegedly only visited the site without taking action. In one instance, authorities reportedly advised residents to build higher walls around their properties to block the smell, a suggestion met with frustration. “They came, looked, and told us to fix it ourselves,” another resident said. “We just want the responsible agencies to address this properly.”
The ongoing issue has left the community concerned about health risks and the impact on local businesses. Residents are urging relevant authorities to take immediate action to resolve the problem and restore the area’s livability.
