Pattaya, Thailand – On September 15th, 2025, at 1:30 PM, a crucial meeting was held at the Thapphraya Meeting Room at Pattaya City Hall to address persistent flooding and traffic congestion during heavy rainfall. Chaired by Mr. Patcharapatch Srithanyanon, Banglamung District Chief, the meeting was attended by Mr. Manoch Nongyai, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, Mr. Chukiat Nongyai, Assistant Secretary to the Mayor, and heads of relevant government agencies.
The Pattaya City Sanitation and Administrative Departments, tasked with managing floodwater drainage and traffic facilitation, presented an overview of flood-prone areas and recurring issues during heavy rain. They identified 21 critical locations, categorized into three phases based on rainfall intensity and duration:
– **Phase 1 (Rainfall > 40 mm, ~30 minutes):** Railway Road (Khao Talo Junction), Pattaya Third Road (Paniad Chang Junction), and Sukhumvit Road (Highway Police Station).
– **Phase 2 (Rainfall > 70 mm, ~45 minutes):** Sukhumvit Soi 45, Railway Road (Wat Tham Samakkhi Junction), Phettrakul Road (Hollywood Junction), Sukhumvit Road (Pattaya City School No. 4), Sukhumvit Road (Thai Nam Thip Co.), Thepprasit Soi 7 and 9, Pattaya Central Road (Mae Wilai Market Junction), Soi Hua Thung, and Sukhumvit Road (before Chaiyaphruek Junction).
– **Phase 3 (Rainfall > 100 mm, ~60 minutes):** Soi Buakhao, Soi Tangmo, Pattaya Soi 6/1, Soi Wat Nong Yai, Soi Naklua 10, Sukhumvit Soi 81, Yen Sabai entrance, Long Bridge, Sukhumvit Soi 33, Soi Nong Ket Yai, and Soi Jomtien.
To mitigate flooding, the Sanitation Department will station personnel at key water pumping stations and drainage systems to clear obstructions, while the Disaster Prevention Department will inspect water pumps to expedite drainage and reduce surface flooding. Portable pumps will be deployed to assist residents in heavily flooded areas. The Natural Resources Department will clear debris obstructing drainage systems and secure residents’ belongings post-flooding.
Mr. Patcharapatch spoke about the negative impact of continuous heavy rain in Banglamung District, which has led to flooding, disrupted traffic, and damaged Pattaya’s tourism-driven economy due to exaggerated social media reports. These portrayals, often amplified for online engagement, falsely depict prolonged flooding, deterring tourists and harming the city’s reputation. He noted major progress, with flood-prone areas reduced from 22 to 3-6 locations and drainage times cut from six hours to 1-2 hours. However, misleading images of stalled vehicles and debris-filled streets continue to skew perceptions.
To counter this, Pattaya City and Banglamung District are working with agencies, including Nongprue Municipality and four local police stations, to manage traffic in flood-prone areas, block unsafe routes, and guide commuters. The meeting also addressed improving public communication to clarify that flooding is managed swiftly, aiming to restore Pattaya’s image as a world class tourism destination.
Moving forward, the Administrative Department will coordinate personnel from all sectors, meet with relevant parties to finalize actionable plans, and request equipment such as reflective rain gear, boots, batons, and traffic barriers. These measures will be centralized under the District Chief’s oversight to ensure rapid, proactive responses to heavy rainfall, safeguarding Pattaya’s reputation and economy.
*Reported by: Ms. Kwanhjai Sueatrong*
*Photographed by: Mr. Thanaphong Unmak*
*Public Relations Division, Pattaya City Tourism and Sports Department*
English version: Adam Judd for The Pattaya News
