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The Big Buddha: from Patong, it takes a long time to reach Chalong

Green Ban Halts Fast Patong-Chalong Road

Wednesday, July 29, 2009
THE NEW ROAD planned to unlock the south of Phuket by linking Chalong and Patong has been rejected. . . and the Governor is not happy.

He backed the idea of putting the road through because it would save hours of travel time, reducing the route from 20 kilometres to five kilometres

But the Department of the Environment refuses to permit the road because it would rise above 80 metres as it goes over Phuket's backbone of hills.

Governor Wichai Praisa-nob, who has been campaigning for better road links on Phuket, said: ''We have a budget allocated from the Government of 26 million baht and 14 million baht from local administrations for this route.

''The money is there. Now they tell us we can't do it.''

The Environmental Ministry says it's illegal for a road to be constructed above 80 metres, and the road would have to rise five metres more, to 85 metres.

(*phuketwan has since learned that this is not the case. The road rises well beyond 200 metres as it crosses the ridge.)

That would take it into what's known as Zone C, where no construction of any kind is permitted.

The current route from Chalong to Patong takes up a lot of time going the roundabout route, either through Phuket City or via Karon.

Drivers have to cover 20 kilometres, which the new direct link would reduce substantially, to five kilometres.

The Chalong-Patong road would take just six months to construct, the governor said.

''I don't understand why anyone with any sense would not give this project the go-ahead,'' he said. ''There are only rubber trees on these hills, not natural forest.''

He said the project would be good for the people, and good for tourism.

''There are other constructions on the island that are clearly above 80 metres,'' he said. ''Why didn't the Environment Ministry do something about those?''

The governor also has a plan for a second highway between the airport and Phuket City and favors the introduction of city-style flyovers to ease congestion at major intersections on the island.

Owners of land above 80 metres say they are being treated unfairly when compared to those who own land at lower levels.

Environmentalists have always resisted construction being allowed in the ''green zone'' above 80 metres. But there have been some exceptions.

The Big Buddha, now one of the island's premium tourist attractions, is one important exception, 380 metres up on Nakkerd Hill.

A new link to Chalong would allow visitors staying in Patong to get to the Big Buddha in a quarter of the time it now takes.

However, the once unmade forest road to the Big Buddha is rapidly becoming built up, with commercial developments.

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Comments

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Good one. Nice to see that the laws ( 80 meter line) are being applied. Not even the governor can bypass them. Good one Environmental Ministry.

Posted by Graham on July 30, 2009 09:20

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Maybe nice to see the process respected for a change, but it's too bad that it had to be on this particular issue.

I'm with the Governor on this one. That road is a good idea. Sure hope there is some recourse that makes it happen.

Posted by D on July 30, 2009 10:38

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It's a shame. As the governor has said, it's only rubber up there.
For residents in the south, not only will it cut the time to Chalong, but, will also make going to Kamala, Surin and Bang Tao beaches comparatively quick.

If you think the 80 mtr rule is being adhered to, look at some of the new homes high above Patong.

Posted by Sir Burr on July 30, 2009 12:55

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It's a two sided arguement ... do you make a road that will reduce travel times and emission pollutants in the process. Do you uphold the 80m law to ensure that more of the island is not destroyed in the so called name of progress. I agree and disagree with the Govenor. He is perfectly correct that a new road would bring benefits. If it's pollution he's worried about then introduce an MoT system like the UK. Remember all trees, rubber or otherwise produce oxygen! I fully agree with him that the law needs fully enforcing to all projects ... so who is paying who to look the other way.

Posted by noddy on July 31, 2009 11:29

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Of course , the 80 m law should be enforced,but, as sir burr said, what about all the condos and villas built on the island above 80m ? Also, this new road would take a lot of strain off the treacherous Patong to Phuket road, saving many lives .

Posted by elizabeth on July 31, 2009 22:28

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This Governor loves things to do with roads doesn't he ...

Posted by Sean on July 31, 2009 23:33

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Not true! The writer of this article should check his or her facts. The elevation of this road where it crosses the ridge is about 260 m above sea level and not 85 m. A simple check in Google earth will show this.

Nevertheless a road across there would not be the worst idea IF it would not lead to other construction along its route, and that would be too much too hope for.

Posted by Guenter Bellach on August 2, 2009 19:02

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Who cares about laws in Thailand? Has something changed to the good? I suggest a Tunnel! It would have only advantages such as less noise, no steep an sharp bending road which most drivers on that Island can not handle - means less accidents, by far the fastest connection (I assume with a modified Motorbike 3 minutes only). Important, must be built straight so that even the drunk can pass it.

Posted by Richard on August 5, 2009 08:10

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Due to the peculiarity of Thai land ownership, rules allow you to own land to the centre of the earth. A tunnel will never be built that is straight.

It will twist and turn so that it goes under the land of all influential people first, so that they may be compensated.

This is what makes tunnels expensive.

Posted by Sir Burr on August 5, 2009 17:25

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I think, after doing a complete survey of the island, the 80 meter rule should be dropped from the statute books. There are so many buildings above the 80 m mark, that makes the law impossible to police.

What are the authorities going to do, pull down all the developments above the 80m mark ? I don't think so.

So scrap this piece of rubbish law. Go on build the road, please.

Posted by Mouse on August 7, 2009 14:02

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It is recognised around the world that the success of any tourist destination brings with it the seeds of its own destruction.

That is what is slowly happening on Phuket. Destruction.

And it's sad - do tourists really need to save 15 minutes on their drive to the Big Buddha? Not a very Buddhist concept!

And locals - do you really want to save 15 minutes each time you make a trip but destroy the home that creates your lifestyle - and your income?

I think the road would bring more bad than good. And I'm not even a 'green' fanatic.

Posted by commonsense on August 10, 2009 12:19


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