Chon Buri's new stadium now 'half done' after 17 years

Chon Buri's new stadium now 'half done' after 17 years
February 1st, 2025

The construction of Chon Buri’s new 20,000 seater football stadium has so far been completed by 44.09% when construction started 17 years ago according to Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet.

He said the authority is aware of people’s concerns regarding delays and also the construction site which looks like it has been abandoned.

The stadium is in Bang Lamung district and covers 371 rai; it was started in 2008 with an investment budget of 774 million baht and was to be done by 2017. But, the project has since been marred by several problems especially at the construction site which is on large rocky ground that is difficult to drill.

Pattaya City signed a contract with military engineers to finish the drilling project which was to cost 398 million baht. Then, another contractor was brought on board to continue with the work but the contractor was affected by shortage of workers due to Covid-19 pandemic and this resulted to more delays.

Mr Poramet said the contractor left the site after paying out the budget in 12 instalments amounting to 143.2 million baht.

Pattaya City took the 50 million baht bond that the company provided to us when it agreed the contract, but the company still had a balance of more than 80 million baht to pay to the authority. He said Pattaya City reported the case to court. As for progress on the stadium, the mayor said work resumed on Sept 27, 2023, when Pattaya City engaged a new company with a budget of 377 million baht. The contract requires that the construction period should be within 820 days. Mr Poramet said that work has since been completed for 476 days at present, at a 44.09% completion rate, which is 4.72% faster than the scheduled time. Pattaya is worried that the next rainy season which starts in the middle of May may interrupt work and extend the time frame. As a result, the contractor has been told to work faster to make up for any downtime. "There has been no accident that has stopped or caused a problem until now, therefore everything has gone well," he added. The construction of the stadium is to be done by Dec 25. More funds are being put in place to make seats and enhance the surroundings. In this regard, the procurement plan is to be finalized within the year, said Mr Poramet.

Shandor Brenner

Shandor Brenner is an American journalist recognized for his sharp and insightful reporting on social and political issues. His work is known for its depth, integrity, and the ability to highlight critical societal concerns.

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