Pattaya, Thailand– February 17th, 2026 – Local residents and beachgoers at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya have raised serious concerns after discovering a large drainage pipe protruding directly onto the sand, releasing a significant volume of black, foul-smelling wastewater straight into the sea.
A reporter from The Pattaya News visited the site near the intersection by “Pu Restaurant” (Raan Ahan Pu) on the southern end of Jomtien Beach, technically Na Jomtien, following viral clips shared by locals showing the pipe actively discharging dark, polluted water. The rectangular, large-diameter pipe was partially buried under sand and soil, making it appear as though it had suddenly “emerged” in the middle of the popular beach area. The discharge created a noticeable black plume spreading into the ocean, accompanied by a strong, unpleasant odor that permeated the surrounding environment.
Many visitors and sunbathers avoided the spot entirely, reluctant to sit or swim nearby due to the stench and visible pollution. Two local teenage girls, 15-year-old Apiranya Boonngam and 15-year-old Kanokporn Suntornsanit, who frequent the area, told reporters they had noticed the pipe for more than two months and that it was new. They expressed confusion about its origin, saying they had no idea which agency or contractor was responsible for installing or abandoning it while allowing apparently untreated wastewater to flow unchecked into the sea at Jomtien.
The pipe’s sudden visibility and ongoing discharge have left the community puzzled and frustrated, with many questioning how such a structure could be left exposed and operational in a major tourist beach zone without apparent oversight.
Local residents and online commentators have urged relevant authorities, including Pattaya City or Na Jomtien officials depending on jurisdiction, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and environmental agencies, to urgently inspect the site, identify the source and responsible party, and take immediate action to stop the pollution.
They called for swift repairs, proper redirection of any drainage, and measures to prevent further environmental damage to the beach and seawater, which could harm marine life, public health, and Pattaya’s tourism image. There is also concern that the open pipe could attract children or teens to explore it and possibly get injured.
This incident echoes previous wastewater discharge controversies at Jomtien Beach earlier this month (February 2026), when contractors working on a landscape and drainage improvement project were accused of pumping accumulated black wastewater directly into the sea, prompting legal action from Pattaya authorities as we reported here.
Officials have stated that such releases violate environmental laws, and investigations continue into similar infrastructure-related issues along the coast.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on this specific pipe sighting as of February 17th, but community pressure is mounting for a rapid response to restore the beach’s cleanliness and safety.
