forcebwithu

Looks like the Nirun area market has been successful enough they're ready to start on an addition. And over on the Soi Xzyte grounds new drains have arrived.

As the Beach Rd drainage project is pretty much completed, thought it would be good to see what the finished product looks like. Of concern is this catch basin on the north end. While it's not easy to see in the pic, it's still half full of water with no discernible movement of the water. To me that's indicative of inadequate drainage slope. The north end got new pavers, so the rebuilt footpath looks good. But a short ways from the north end they used a mishmash of recycled pavers and the result looks like crap. Where some effort was put in to match the existing color scheme, the result looks a lot better. The matching of colors is the exception though. Only one of the three security tents are staffed now. This was the only section of beach, near Soi 5, that I saw evidence of erosion from storm water runoff. Looks like they haven't had to use the Soi 6 pumps, yet. Pattaya lifeguards trying to figure out what the red floaty thing is for. In fairness to them, and as an ex-competitive swimmer, they look like they have the characteristic build of a swimmer, so they may actually know how to swim. Another section that employed workers that weren't colorblind. But it was a short section, then the colorblind crew was back. In some sections it was easier for them to fill the gaps with concrete, rather than properly fit the pavers. The doors at the end of the long concrete box on the south end are designed to swing free. I could see them open and close slightly from wave action. When the diversion gates in the previous picture are raised, the storm water pressure will be enough to allow that water to flow freely into the sea. I wonder what the point is of having that outflow box when these outflow pipes accomplish the same thing.

My computer is older. So old I have to chant OCTAL! OCTAL! for the incantation to work.

I've lived in the area of Nirun for over 10 years. Never once felt the least bit threatened walking from and back to my home at any hour of the night.

Yes, the project is pretty much finished. I'll get out maybe tomorrow and snap some pics of the finished project.

Looks like more construction will be taking place on the Soi Xzyte grounds.

Update on the refilling of the reservoirs. First up Huai Chak Nok Reservoir which has slightly more water since the last update on the 10th. Mabprachan Reservoir also has a bit more water, but still nowhere near enough to start pumping again.

Soi Xzyte Wedding Chapel??? And maybe these are the honeymoon rooms.

I was told by one of Thai workers on the site that it was going to be a market. Also told the same by a massage lady that lives and works on 3rd Rd opposite Soi Xzyte.

Another building going up on the Soi Xzyte grounds Wonder what they'll use it for Holes for trees maybe

After Huai Chak Nok, used the back roads for a nice ride over to Mabprachan Reservoir. Water level is up, but still quite a ways to go before they can start pumping from the reservoir again.

View of the new highway looking south towards Ban Chang.

With the recent rains had a look at the reservoirs this morning. First up, Huai Chak Nok Reservoir. The small pond dammed off from the main reservoir. They're using pumps now to move water from the inflow area on the north end into the main reservoir.

New Akara hotel going up on Nakula Soi 31. Noticed the entrance to WS was blocked today, so had a peak at what was going on.

Really enjoying the series Prodigal Son. I also see they just announced it's been renewed for season 2.

One positive of the recent WS electrical fire is they've removed most of the rats nest of wires.

A few shots of the new Soi Xzyte market progress. And a shot of The Edge from Soi Xzyte.

Beach Rd drain update from this morning. North end they're now working on the opposite side of the road, tying the existing drains to the new drain. North end is getting new paving stones. Good to see the beach open again. Farther south noticed mostly Thais enjoying the beach. Beach chairs practicing social distancing.

The problem with the current storms rumbling through is the heavy rain is very localized. We need a good, wide area downpour lasting multiple hours, or even better a day or two, to have a noticeable effect on the reservoir levels. This site is a good source for current and historical rainfall amounts. http://www.pattayaweather.net/Pattaya-Month.html Edited to add: Looking at the rainfall amounts I see April was above average, but for May we're below average at 71 mm vs an average of 155 mm.

Crane activity at the Buakhao Soi 15 construction site.

The drainage project and beach pics after the early morning storms. Surprised they still haven't cleaned out the sand from the north end catch basin. The longer they wait, the more the sand will get washed farther into the drains and the harder it will be to clean it out. Beach is still in good shape. The usual spots prone to flooding and beach washouts look none the worse after this morning's storms. Probably more to do with lack of heavy rain than the new drains doing their job. The new structure at the south end is for drainage diversion gates. Further proof this morning's rainfall wasn't much as only one of the three overflow pipes was discharging effluent. A peek inside the pumping station. Not sure what function this machinery serves.

30k for an agent is a bit high. Maneerat on Soi P.O. will get you sorted for 21k for the Non O. Extensions cost 12.5k. Like you I didn't want, or need the hassles of jumping through the new financial hoops. So after 9 years of doing the extension to stay myself, I used an agent, Maneerat, for the first time on my last extension.

For those interested in a bit of off road riding, there are some nice paths around Mabprachan Reservoir on the west and north sides. The screenshot below are tracks from various rides I've made over the years around the reservoir. The area parallel to the dam is primarily eucalyptus trees with trails that are hard packed and easy to negotiate. While the area on the north side of the reservoir is a good mix of service roads, hard packed trail, and narrow single track.

This month's update on the Mabprachan Reservoir. Weeds are higher Water level unchanged Weeds now poking up in the shallow areas Pumps are gone A few dead tree pics The spring fed stream is still flowing Used to be able to ride the bike across the lake bed at this point. Need a machete now to get through. There are some nice, quiet, scenic shady spots on the trails around the reservoir. A sea of green