In a bold and much-anticipated move to restore order to Pattaya’s often chaotic boating sector, the city’s deputy mayor spearheaded an overdue operation to retrieve sunken buoys from a once ambitious docking project. This cleanup effort finally got rolling on June 25, years after the dampening impact of Tropical Storm Vamco, which left the area’s waters littered and ill-equipped for marine tourism. Manoch Nongyai, Pattaya City’s Deputy Mayor, joined forces with the Pattaya Natural Resources and Environment Office to tackle the mess at Bali Hai Cape, a known hotspot in the city’s vibrant southern stretch.
The primary aim was clear: extract the submerged orphaned buoys that had been part of the Smart Boat Docking Project—a grand vision with a 300-million-baht price tag. This project was envisioned to revolutionize Pattaya’s maritime tourism, serving as a hydraulic docking site for over 300 boats. Unfortunately, the venture hit a watery grave when the Vamco tropical depression swept through in 2015, sinking hopes and buoys alike. The aftermath was tumultuous, with boat operators expressing frustration over stalled services that stymied the local tourism engine.
“These buoys were originally part of a pier that Pattaya City had contracted for construction. However, after the Vamco storm, the pier was almost destroyed,” the deputy mayor clarified. The situation took a legal twist when attempts to hold the contractor accountable through a lawsuit ended in futility. The court absolved the contractor of any wrongdoing, leaving the city and its plans drifting without the necessary fiscal lifeline to resuscitate the project. With that backdrop, heavy machinery like backhoes are now being deployed to scoop up the sunken remnants of this maritime dream from the sea.
Manoch hinted that for larger debris, the deployment of a barge or sizeable transport ship might become a necessity. The goal is clear: clear the clutter that has long made life difficult for boat operators trying to dock at the pier. Meanwhile, the deputy mayor provided an interesting twist on the fate of retrieved buoys, revealing plans to store them at Pattaya National Stadium on Soi Chaiyaphruek. With over 200 of these forlorn buoys snatched from the depths, the city may consider offering them to government agencies that can put them to effective use in the future.
This operation signifies a significant stride toward sprucing up Pattaya’s maritime infrastructure. Officials remain hopeful that the cleanup will smooth over the docking issues that have historically ruffled the feathers of local boat operators. While the Smart Boat Docking Project might have sunk into obscurity, the energetic buoy-raising effort reflects Pattaya’s unwavering commitment to revamp its tourism-reliant boating sector, ensuring smoother sailing in the days ahead.
Finally! It’s about time Pattaya addressed this mess. The sunken buoys were a constant reminder of failed projects.
I agree, Jean. It’s baffling that it took them this long to start the cleanup.
Exactly, Rick! Better late than never, but still, the delay cost the tourism sector a lot.
I’m skeptical about using public funds for a project that already flopped once. What’s to stop another disaster?
Good point, Anna. Rebuilding infrastructure needs transparency and accountability this time.
Samantha and Anna, I think the city needs to carefully vet future contractors to avoid another repeat of the past.
But Anna, this cleanup is just the first step. We should give them credit for aiming to fix it.
My biggest concern is how removing these buoys might impact the local marine life. Has that been considered?
The ecological aspect is crucial, ecoWarrior92. Hopefully, they coordinate with environmental experts.
That’s a valid issue, GreenPete. The safety of marine habitats should be factored into these efforts.
I’ve visited Pattaya countless times and avoiding that area was always a bummer. I hope this cleanup makes it more tourist-friendly.
TravellerTom, it’s definitely a positive change for both tourists and locals. Fingers crossed it lasts!
From a legal perspective, the city going after the contractors and losing was unavoidable. They should have seen it coming.
I used to work as a boat operator there. Those buoys were a nightmare for our business.
I can imagine, boat_sailor45. The chaos must have been incredibly frustrating.
The grand vision was worth it back in the day. It’s a shame nature had other plans.
True, smartJay. But at least they’re cleaning it up. Maybe they’ll get it right with new technology.
Does anyone know what the city plans to do with these retrieved buoys? Just curious about their future purpose.
It’s nice to see such impactful environmental initiatives. Let’s hope it sets a precedent for other regions.
Indeed, sophia_h, setting a good example will encourage other areas to take similar steps.
What about the use of heavy machinery in marine operations? Are there better alternatives?
marineScout123, they probably went with heavy machinery due to cost and time efficiency. An important factor in such operations.
Jackie makes a good point. However, if it harms the local environment, maybe smaller operations would be better.