PATTAYA, Thailand – Officials from Banglamung District, led by Paradon Chainapaporn, alongside the Pattaya Social Welfare Department and other relevant authorities, investigated the village of Chok Nimit 2 in Khao Noi 2, East Pattaya, where residents continue to suffer from severe and frequent flooding on November 9. Households in the area have filed a claim for compensation for flood damage and today authorities guided them in submitting the necessary documents and photos to support their claims. Once collected, the authorities will assess the compensation needs.

Residents, however, expressed frustration with Pattaya’s flood control measures. Although a large water pump and drainage system was installed in recent years, residents say this has exacerbated the flooding problem rather than solving it. They noted that before installation, flooding was rare. Today, with the pump installed in the canal, the water level rises quickly whenever it rains, making the situation worse.

Residents report that they have to vigilantly monitor the water level during heavy rains, often late at night, and document it with photos to alert authorities to activate the pump. Unfortunately, the system’s responsiveness is inconsistent, sometimes requiring residents to repeatedly contact authorities for assistance.

The community is also discouraged by the little compensation available. While floods occur 4 to 5 times a year, residents say a few hundred bahts are not enough to cope with the repeated difficulties. Many struggle to provide photographic evidence during these emergency situations because they are busy backing up their belongings. They are calling for real solutions to prevent flooding and repair the broken water pump system, rather than continued investigations and insufficient financial aid.