Tourists stranded as flash floods swamp Pattaya streets
Emergency crews race to manage chaos after drainage overwhelmed
Heavy overnight rain caused flash floods in Pattaya, disrupting traffic and stranding tourists as local officials rushed to inspect and manage the situation.
Chon Buri Governor Thawatchai Srithong sprang into action with an emergency inspection of the worst-hit zones after over 50 millimetres of overnight rain swamped the popular resort city.
Joined by Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapat Sritanyanon, Pattaya Deputy Mayor Kiatisak Sriwongchai, and city officials, the governor visited key trouble spots, including the Khao Talo pumping station and the railway road. He ordered urgent road repairs, more water pumps, and extra personnel to help tackle the deluge.
“The rain came fast and hard, overwhelming drainage systems. Even with pumps working full force, it still took nearly two hours to divert the water into the sea.”
Low-lying neighbourhoods such as Khao Noi, Khao Talo, and Sukhumvit Road in South Pattaya bore the brunt of the floods. Rapid runoff from surrounding hills quickly inundated these areas, making some roads impassable. While locals steered clear of flood-prone routes, tourists unfamiliar with the terrain found themselves caught off guard.
Pattaya has long battled chronic flooding, but officials say progress is being made. The number of flood-prone zones has reportedly dropped from more than 20 to just nine, thanks to ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
A major 9-billion-baht flood prevention project is currently underway, led by the Department of Public Works. The initiative includes water retention systems designed to slow down runoff and ease pressure on drainage networks.
In a residential area behind the Four Regions Floating Market, flooding persisted after thieves reportedly stole electrical cables from a city pump, rendering it inoperable. Private companies were called in to assist with additional pumps, while Pattaya City deployed generators to keep drainage operations running, reported The Pattaya News.
With light rain continuing into the day, local officials remained on high alert, closely monitoring weather updates and water levels.
Governor Thawatchai emphasised the need for long-term solutions, noting that while the city has made progress, more needs to be done to shield residents and tourists from future floods.
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