Residents of Jomtien Park Villa 2 in South Pattaya have expressed a mix of relief and lingering concern as city officials inspected a shooting range that has been the source of ongoing noise disturbances.
Pattaya’s Deputy Mayor, Krisana Boonsawat, accompanied by officials from the engineering, public health, and environment departments, visited the Guns Shooting and Battle range—recently renamed 556 Shooting Club—following multiple noise complaints. The range had previously faced temporary closures and inspections due to the persistent disturbances.
Residents, who had struggled to rest due to the constant gunfire, showed their appreciation for the officials’ intervention. In response to the city’s shutdown order, the shooting range implemented noise-reduction measures, including constructing soundproof walls varying between 30 centimeters and 2 meters thick. Additional insulation averaging 2 inches and sound-absorbing materials up to 6 inches thick were installed in critical areas. As a result, external noise levels have dropped to 56-58 decibels, significantly below the legal limit of 115 decibels, though internal readings still reached 120 decibels.
Despite these improvements, concerns persist, especially between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., when gun tests are frequent. Some residents report experiencing mental health issues due to prolonged exposure to the noise, with a few even seeking psychiatric support.
The shooting range operators stated they have not officially reopened and are actively working to enhance noise reduction. They estimate that additional improvements will take approximately 90 days. Pattaya City officials have committed to closely monitoring the situation to ensure the community’s quality of life is not compromised.
Deputy Mayor Boonsawat acknowledged the residents’ distress and emphasized the city’s efforts to find a balanced solution that allows the shooting range and the community to coexist. Authorities are considering adjustments to the range’s operating hours to further reduce disruptions. While the engineering department confirmed that the range holds a valid construction permit, they noted that the building exceeds its allowed boundary by 10 centimeters, which must be rectified immediately.
Noise levels inside affected homes measured at 76 decibels, remaining below the legal threshold of 115 decibels. Despite this, residents continue to seek assurances that long-term solutions will be implemented to minimize disturbances.
