CONSTRUCTION is to begin next month on a small mosque at Cape Promthep, the southern promontory noted for perfect Phuket sunsets.

Hundreds of residents and visitors flock to the cape every evening for the dramatic views out over crystal seas to the horizon.

Mayor of Rawai, Aroon Soroj, said the 2.8 million baht mosque would for the first time give Muslims the chance to see the sunsets and at the same time maintain their strict prayer regime.

The mosque will be built at the rear of the large car park, alongside a row of souvenir shops.

The cape was the place chosen in 2009 for a celebratory telecast of Phuket people singing the national anthem at sunset, and last year alcohol and smoking were banned from the viewpoint area.

Earlier this month, Mayor Aroon accompanied Canadian businessman Daniel McDaniel to visit Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha to put a plan for a 900 million baht marine zoo and aquarium to be built on property near the shooting range and the Green Man Pub in Patak Road, Rawai.