Anti-Corruption Network complains of smelly wastewater in coastal Thai province

[PeteC]

https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/polluti ... i-province (Photo)

A local chapter of the Anti-Corruption Network has complained of foul smelling wastewater released onto a beach in Thailand’s coastal province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, located near the Gulf of Thailand. The chapter says that six officials are overlooking the problems with a hotel dumping wastewater onto the beach near the town hall, in the main city district.

A recent test conducted by a regional environment office found that the wastewater had not been treated, and violated safety standards. The chapter is accusing Prachuap Khiri Khan’s provincial governor of dereliction of duty, along with five other officials who work in the environmental and wastewater management sectors.

Beach vendors had filed similar complaints back in May, saying that the smelly dark water was being released from a wastewater pipe near the breakwater. The vendors said the bad smell was damaging their businesses by driving away tourists.

One Anti-Corruption Network member said he had spoken to senior officials in June when they learned that the wastewater was coming from a hotel. But he said nothing has been done. The network member, Chaisit Plangsrisakul, said…

“The continuous release of wastewater has had a severe impact on the ecosystem of the coastal area, which is an important tourist landmark. But the relevant state agencies have paid no attention.”

Many parts of Thailand suffer problems with wastewater management. In one village in Thailand’s eastern city of Pattaya, locals have complained of officials’ minimal efforts to solve wastewater problems for over seven years.

Hopefully, Prachuap Khiri Khan will have a different outcome than Pattaya, and officials will work to fix its wastewater woes.

SOURCE: Nation Thailand

[PeteC]

The author couldn't have been more clear that officials are stuffing their pockets.

[Big Boy]

I've mentioned many times the water at Soi 77 in Hua Hin. That smelt so badly, I always kept my dogs well away from it. Probably a totally different scenario, but it always used to smell just the same. I don't think I've been there for about 3 years now, so maybe the issue has been resolved.

[PeteC]

Looking at the current Google map, Soi 77 at the beach could be The moon bar on the beach, or the intercontinental 100 meters south. Or, possibly just all the houses and businesses west of Petchkasem, including Bluport.

[Big Boy]

No, the smell was there long before the beach bar. I'm not sure where the water comes from, but it tends to collect in a pond beside the walkway towards the beach. When they let the water out, it creates a small river down the beach. Several times we had to detour that bit of beach because there was no way I was walking through it. As I say, it may have been sorted now.

[Robinhood]

The positive for me in this story, is hearing that there are groups trying to highlight these practices.