The infrastructure in Pattaya is something that is frequently discussed with some arguing that major improvements have been made whilst others claim that these improvements still fall a long way short. In reality, both of these arguments are correct but the latter is recognised by Pattaya City Hall and they are definitely doing something to address this.
What improvements have been made?
You don’t have to wander too far around the city to notice that big changes have been made to promenade at both Jomtien Beach and Pattaya Beach making the places far more attractive and also safer. In addition, on the Sukhumvit Road, the new road tunnel has vastly improved the flow of traffic around Pattaya Klang and big efforts are being made to move electric cabling underground. This is not only something aesthetically pleasing, it is safer and also improves the quality of the service provided.
There have also been major improvements to the road links in and out of the city such as the extension of the Highway 7 to the Sukhumvit Road. U-Tapao International Airport has also been expanded and improved meaning that more tourists can come to the city from an airport that is far closer than Suvarnabhumi. The ease of access to internal flights is also a bonus for tourists, expats and business travellers alike.
What is ongoing?
There are still a number of projects that are ongoing. We have already mentioned the improvements to the electrics that are expanding across the city and efforts are still ongoing to stop the erosion of Pattaya Beach at the northern end. The access to the highway from Mabprachan area is also being improved and this is a large scale investment project. In terms of amenities, a Robinsons shopping centre is under construction in East Pattaya – improving the options for those living in the area with a Terminal 21 shopping centre and hotel well underway in North Pattaya.
Smaller projects, as you would imagine, are ongoing across the city and in evidence almost all of the time. City Hall recognises that these improvements need to be made so as the city can cope with large swathes of new visitors. Everything takes time and this needs to be recognised but all concerned deserve a pat on the back for their efforts.
What still needs to be done?
It would be foolhardy to suggest that Pattaya is perfect, it isn’t as no city is. Yes, improvements need to be made to the drainage systems that can’t cope with heavy rains and flash floods are commonplace in the rainy season. Some of the roads also need improving and more needs to be done to address the disruption that is caused when projects are underway. However, all of this has been recognised by those that matter and once again they should be commended for their efforts without allowing them to take their eyes off the ball.
Pattaya is a city that is expanding, evolving and developing at a rapid pace and keeping up with these changes is not always an easy task. That said, in most cases, it is achieved or at least achievable so maybe a little patience is just needed from those who complain.
