Pattaya floods halt traffic amid Loy Krathong Festival preparations

Heavy rainfall swept through Pattaya, causing significant disruptions as traffic came to a standstill due to widespread flooding. As the city prepared for the Loy Krathong Festival, a severe thunderstorm struck at 5.36pm yesterday, November 15, lasting for about an hour. This deluge led to waterlogged streets, particularly in areas notorious for flooding.

Khao Talo Road along the railway, Soi Wat Thamsamakkhi, and Sukhumvit Road in South Pattaya experienced heavy flooding, affecting routes toward both Sattahip and Bangkok. Chalerm Phrakiat Road, also known as Third Road, near the Paniadchang Intersection, was similarly inundated. Water levels varied from 20 centimetres to approximately 1 metre, creating perilous conditions for smaller vehicles and motorcycles that were unable to navigate the submerged roads.

The downpour hit during the evening rush hour, exacerbating traffic chaos. Many drivers sought refuge under shop awnings, while others braved the waters. Unfortunately, some who attempted to drive through the floodwaters found their vehicles stalled, leaving them no choice but to manually push their cars to safer ground.

On Chalerm Phrakiat Road, barriers installed by officials to mark construction zones were not spared, as the force of the water swept them away, further complicating the traffic situation. Vehicles were stranded for extended periods until the floodwaters slowly receded, eventually allowing traffic to resume its normal flow.

“It was a challenging scene with cars stuck and people trying to navigate their way through.”

As the waters subsided, Pattaya began to return to its usual rhythm, resuming preparations for yesterday’s festivities with a watchful eye on the weather, reported Pattaya News.