PATTAYA, THAILAND – A neglected public footbath at South Pattaya Beach raised concerns over its impact on the city’s family-friendly tourism image.
Problems at the public footbath
On 28 March 2026, reporters visited the site after complaints from residents and found the basin filled with stagnant water that could not drain properly. Inside, they observed large amounts of sand residue, cigarette butts, general trash and thick green algae.
These conditions created an unpleasant smell that spread through the surrounding area. The state of the public footbath prompted questions about routine maintenance at one of the city’s most visited beaches.
Unpleasant odour affects beachgoers
The foul smell caused discomfort for beachgoers and passersby at this busy location. Visitors to the popular beach promenade reported increasing odour nuisance that was affecting their experience at the shore.
Some locals expressed worries that the ongoing smell could discourage families from spending time along the South Pattaya Beach promenade. They said the problem conflicted with Pattaya’s efforts to promote a more family-oriented image.
Residents demand swift action
A local resident, Klaharn Phrachandaphut, said the situation had worsened significantly in recent times.
“The problem has increased considerably lately,”
said Klaharn Phrachandaphut, resident.
He added that the stagnant water levels were getting worse every day and urged the relevant agencies to respond quickly.
“The stagnant water levels are getting worse every day, and the responsible authorities must act quickly,”
said Klaharn Phrachandaphut, resident.
Importance of footbaths for tourists
Footbaths are common at Thai beaches and help visitors rinse off sand and saltwater before leaving the beach. When they are well maintained, they support cleanliness and convenience for both tourists and locals.
However, if they are poorly maintained, they can quickly become a source of nuisance and potential hygiene issues. Residents warned that neglect of such public facilities could damage the broader tourism reputation of the area.
Hopes for swift restoration
So far, there had been no immediate response reported from city officials. Members of the community nevertheless hoped for prompt measures to restore the cleanliness and usability of the footbath.
Previous maintenance problems at similar facilities had been resolved once they received public attention. Locals now expected the authorities to address the current footbath issue with the same level of urgency.