Pattaya’s coastline is facing severe erosion — especially in Jomtien, where tens of thousands of cubic meters of sand are lost annually. To save one of the city’s key beaches, authorities are launching an ambitious restoration project. Here’s what’s planned and how it will impact the area.
Up to 80,000 cubic meters of sand lost per year — and it’s getting worse
During a meeting with Jomtien residents, representatives of Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources shared alarming data: the beach loses up to 80,000 cubic meters of sand each year. If left unchecked, Jomtien could vanish within a few decades — taking with it the iconic seaside image familiar to millions of visitors.
Coastal erosion is not new, but its effects are intensifying. Areas without breakwaters or natural barriers suffer the most. Storms and tidal forces wash away sand, reducing recreational space and damaging the coastal ecosystem.
New project: beach width to expand to 35 meters
Local authorities are acting fast. A new coastal protection and beach expansion plan was presented to residents, including key measures:
- Beach widening: the shoreline will be expanded to 35 meters;
- Breakwater construction: artificial barriers will protect the coast from wave erosion;
- Public park status: a 1.6-kilometer stretch of coastline will be designated a public park, with landscaping, rest zones, and regulated development.
The project received broad support. Officials emphasized this is not a temporary fix, but a sustainable, long-term solution to preserve the beach and enhance comfort for tourists and residents.
Nearly 1 billion baht budget and tight timeline
The total project cost is 995 million baht. Work is scheduled to be completed within 4 months — ahead of the peak tourist season.
Implementation will proceed in phases: seabed stabilization, sand replenishment, breakwater installation, greening, and beautification. Oversight will be led by Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources in cooperation with Chonburi provincial authorities.
Impact on Jomtien real estate
For investors and property owners, this is significant news. Beach expansion and upgraded coastal infrastructure will boost Jomtien’s appeal as one of Pattaya’s most desirable areas.
In the long term, this could lead to:
- increased property values for first-line units;
- higher rental demand;
- growing interest from international buyers.
Coastal protection is not just an environmental measure — it’s an investment in the district’s future and a signal of sustainable development.
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