In a determined and bold move to tackle the relentless drug activity plaguing Pattaya, especially in the notorious Jomtien area, local government officials have set their sights on eradicating illegal structures in Soi Jomtien 3. The operation is as massive as it is ambitious, boasting a formidable force of over 900 officers hailing from 23 police stations. Their mission? To flush out every hint of criminal activity lurking within the labyrinthine realms of Sois 2, 3, and 4.
Following on the heels of a similar operation last December, this blitzkrieg of justice has already resulted in more than 50 arrests on charges ranging from drug possession to drug usage. These neighbourhoods, shrouded in an atmosphere of dodgy dealings, are characterized by five-storey commercial buildings that transform like chameleons. By day, their ground floors buzz with the activities of beer bars, restaurants, laundromats, and massage shops. As evening falls, these commercial hubs morph into chaotic, makeshift living spaces for their occupants. But venture behind these urban fronts and you’ll find a patchwork of ramshackle wooden huts, further adding to the pandemonium.
On January 20, taking a no-nonsense approach, officials rolled in with heavy machinery to bring down illegal structures that populate Soi Jomtien 3. Their aim is as clear as it is decisive: to finally slam the door shut on the use of these constructions for unsavoury activities. In a somewhat cooperative spirit, one landowner has already given the green light for demolition. Meanwhile, four other structures stand forlornly empty, virtually begging to be flattened. The complete demolition of these edifices is expected to wrap up within the next month.
A spotlight currently shines on 24 unauthorized structures, though agreement has been reached to raze only one thus far. Of the remainders, three languish in neglect, ownerless like relics of a forgotten era. Meanwhile, talks with owners of the remaining 20 structures are ongoing, each conversation a delicate dance of negotiation. Yet, the Pattaya City Council has a bluff-busting strategy up its sleeve. They are prepared to wield the formidable Building Demolition Act should any landowners stubbornly refuse to vacate. The carrot? A sweet deal offering free demolition for those who comply. The stick? Legal action for those who try to dig their heels in.
Just last week, officials in Pattaya flexed their regulatory muscles by halting a rogue construction project in Soi 10, along Pattaya Second Road. The public grievances—pervasive dust clouds and deafening noise—had escalated to a crescendo too loud to ignore. Swift to act, Deputy Mayor Wutthisak Rermkijakarn and Marut Uthaivattananon, the acting Head of the Building Control Division, spearheaded a team of municipal officers for a site inspection on January 9. With vivid reports from residents and tourists alike, it was clear the area was transforming into a waking nightmare.
The crackdown in Soi Jomtien 3 is a testament to Pattaya’s relentless pursuit of peace and order in areas known for their chaotic flair. As bulldozers roll and iron grapples swing, a clear message resonates across Pattaya: unsanctioned and unsafe activities will no longer be brushed under the carpet.
Finally, a decisive move to clean up Pattaya! This area has been asking for it for years.
It’s not that simple, Joe. There are people living there who have nowhere else to go.
I get that, Anna. But shouldn’t we prioritize safety and legality first?
Y’all missing the point. Displacing families for gentrification ain’t the answer.
Massive law enforcement doesn’t always solve drug problems. It’s just pushing them into other areas.
For sure, Larry. They need long-term solutions, not just quick fixes.
What else are they supposed to do, Larry? Let crime run rampant? There has to be a starting point.
The government is just using this as an excuse to clear valuable land. Watch them build luxury condos next!
That wouldn’t surprise me. It’s all about money in the end.
Exactly, Tina. Real estate developers probably have their eyes on this already.
The crackdown is needed, but what’s next for Pattaya’s poor? They can’t just be forgotten.
It’s sad but true. Where will they all go? Displacement isn’t a good solution.
They should create more affordable housing options instead of demolishing everything!
Ah, the never-ending fight against crime. But are they really winning?
Winning battles doesn’t always mean winning the war. But every step counts.
Let’s see how this pans out ten years from now. Stats never lie.
I wonder if the ‘sweet deal’ of free demolition is really that good, or just a lure.
Why not offer help to those arrested rather than just hauling them off to jail?
And look at Soi 10! Construction projects should be monitored closely to prevent issues like this.
It’s clear the council finally means business. But they should’ve acted sooner.
The bulldozers send a powerful message, but shouldn’t there be more community involvement in these decisions?
Community involvement takes time. Sometimes action is needed quickly.
Pattaya should look at other cities that have successfully reduced crime without demolitions.
Asher, which cities are you referring to? Curious to see what’s been effective elsewhere.
Bringing down illegal structures is necessary, but where’s the support for those left in financial ruin?
I have mixed feelings. The demolition is right but makes me sad for those losing their homes.
It’s painful, Max. But some sacrifice is needed for the greater good.
Never underestimate the power of big business pushing policies behind closed doors.
Let’s face it, crime is a beast that needs more than bulldozers to be defeated completely.
That’s right, and yet, it’s the quickest action governments often resort to.