PATTAYA, THAILAND – A long-delayed road and drainage project on Chai Phor Withi Road left residents of the Baan Eua-Athorn Na Kluea housing estate struggling with daily hazards and frustration.
Years-long construction site with little visible progress
Over a stretch of more than 300 meters on Chai Phor Withi Road (Highway No. 3240), the carriageway had been torn open into numerous large pits that were largely left unattended for years. In front of the Baan Eua-Athorn Na Kluea housing project, large concrete pipes lay by the roadside, apparently part of a drainage improvement scheme, but it was not evident on site who was actually responsible for the project.
Flooding as trigger, new problems as consequence
According to residents, the area in front of the social housing project was regularly hit by severe flooding during heavy rain, which they said had triggered the planned renewal of the drainage system. What began as smaller excavations had, due to weather and constant traffic, turned into deep craters scattered so densely that hardly any safe path remained for cars and motorcycles.
Growing anger in the neighborhood
Residents described their frustration to visiting reporters, complaining,
“They tore everything up and then did nothing more,”
said one resident, who stressed that it was mainly locals who had to live with the consequences in everyday life. Another resident criticized,
“Why did everything have to be dug up so quickly if it is then left like this for years,”
said a local woman, who called on those in charge to finally complete the project, no matter which method they used.
Temporary patchwork, unclear future
In recent days, a contractor reappeared and sent three workers, who began filling the numerous potholes with cement mixtures as a temporary measure. The foreign workers stated they intended to complete the provisional repair of all pits within two to three days, but when asked about the resumption and completion of the overall project, they could only say people would have to ask the boss.
Ongoing safety risks and calls for clarity
The half-abandoned construction site created significant safety risks and daily disruptions for residents and commuters, as the affected section of road was of central importance for local traffic. Many people in the area hoped the recent activity would mark the real start of completion, while at the same time demanding clear information and a swift, lasting solution from the responsible authorities so the road could once again be safely passable.