Mr. Pitaya Pramotvoraphan, Deputy Director General of Pollution Control Department (PCD) and spokesman of PCD, revealed that on 11 August 2023 Environment and Pollution Control Office 13 (Chonburi) inspected continuously an area along Bang Saen Beach in Chonburi Province that found a phenomenon of plankton bloom which caused sea water to turn green. This phenomenon made Bang Saen Beach to remain green along the shoreline and rocky areas. Water quality tests found that sea water quality at Bang Saen Beach did not meet the criteria of water quality standards type 4 (for recreational use) because dissolved oxygen (DO) levels were below 4 milligrams per liter. This situation has been informed to people and local officials in the area. They are advised to avoid swimming in the sea during that time.
Mr. Pitaya said that today seawater quality has returned to normal and can be used for recreation. However, precautions should be taken to avoid drinking water or entering the body, and people should rinse their bodies after swimming. PCD is going to continue monitoring water quality in this area and will inform it to the the public.
