Deputy Patong Mayor Prasan Prateep Na Thalang led the inspection at the beach, also known locally as Ley Hua Norn, yesterday (Mar 12), accompanied by municipal officials and sanitation engineering staff.
The inspection followed complaints from local residents earlier that day, with reports that wastewater was flowing into the sea at about midday.
During the inspection, officials from the municipality’s Sanitation Engineering Division opened drainage manholes in the area to investigate the cause of the discharge. However, the exact source of the wastewater remained unclear.
Officials said further action will be taken to prevent sediment and polluted water from reaching the sea while the investigation continues.
Municipal workers will clean the drainage pipes and remove sediment from nearby holding pits in the area to prevent residue remaining in the system from flowing into coastal waters.
Authorities also plan to inspect wastewater treatment systems operated by businesses near the beach to ensure they meet required environmental standards and are functioning properly.
The municipality said the inspections are intended to help prevent similar incidents from occurring again.
The inspection came the same day that Patong officials met to discuss procedures for a major wastewater infrastructure project intended to improve sewage management in nearby areas.
Chaired by Mr Prasan at the Patong Municipality Office, officials held a meeting to clarify management procedures for a wastewater collection system project covering the Kalim and Kuan Yang areas.
The project, supported by Thailand’s Environmental Fund, carries a total budget of B115.43 million.
Of that amount, B103.89mn, or 90% of the project budget, will be provided by the Environmental Fund, while Patong Municipality will contribute B11.54mn, representing the remaining 10%.
Officials explained that the project will focus on constructing infrastructure to collect wastewater from the Kalim and Kuan Yang areas before it is treated, helping reduce the risk of untreated wastewater entering the sea.
The project is scheduled to run for 990 days, including the implementation period and disbursement of funds.
Municipal officials said the meeting was held to clarify management procedures and ensure cooperation between relevant agencies involved in overseeing the project, including representatives from environmental policy and pollution control offices.