Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

A plankton bloom has transformed the waters off Wong Amat Beach in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, from crystal clear to a dark green hue, raising concerns among both locals and tourists.

 

The phenomenon, first noticed late on 19 June by local fishermen, became more pronounced around midday on 20 June. Witnesses reported the sea water turning a murky, green tea-like colour, accompanied by a pungent, sulphur-like odour.

 

One tourist told reporters that the sea was still clear in the morning, but by noon the water had changed noticeably in both appearance and smell. According to local fishermen, the green tide had already formed offshore and drifted closer to the coast as the day progressed.

 

The timing of the bloom coincided with a midday low tide, concentrating the plankton near the shore and intensifying the smell. Despite the unpleasant odour and cloudy water, some international visitors were still seen swimming in the affected area.

Officials have confirmed that water samples were collected for laboratory analysis and environmental monitoring is being stepped up. The focus is on understanding the bloom’s composition and any potential harm it may pose to marine ecosystems or public health.

 

Experts suggest that the bloom was likely triggered by several consecutive days of extreme heat and calm seas, which created ideal conditions for the rapid proliferation of phytoplankton. In large quantities, these microscopic organisms can deplete oxygen levels in the water and release unpleasant gases as they decay, particularly hydrogen sulphide, the likely source of the rotten-egg-like smell.

 

Though such blooms are naturally occurring, their increased frequency and intensity in recent years have raised concerns about climate change and pollution. Local authorities are urging residents and tourists to remain cautious while the water quality is being assessed.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Kaoded 2025-06-21

 

 

What color is it supposed to be if not sea green?

1 hour ago, jacko45k said:

What color is it supposed to be if not sea green?

Apart from the occasional brown 'lump' floating by, should be clear ?

Perhaps it is better having the color green compared to the brown I always saw from all the sewage dumped into it. 

This must be really good for Pattaya tourism. No wonder more Chinese go to Vietnam and Japan than Thailand now. 

8 hours ago, thesetat said:

Perhaps it is better having the color green compared to the brown I always saw from all the sewage dumped into it. 

This must be really good for Pattaya tourism. No wonder more Chinese go to Vietnam and Japan than Thailand now. 

So where do you live? Crystal clear on wongamat.

3 hours ago, sungod said:

So where do you live? Crystal clear on wongamat.

I do not have any problems like tourist and hotels dumping into the sea where I am now.. Just beautiful sea and clean beaches and perhaps 20 tourists a month are seen.. 

Even Plankton gets horny in Pattaya..