POWERLINES in Patong's most popular parts are to go underground for 250 million baht, the one-way system is to be updated shortly, and authorities must cut the noise coming from illegal entertainment venues, a seminar on Patong's future was told yesterday.

Preechavude ''Prab'' Keesin, a businessman and president of the Taxi Federation of Patong, said complaints about loud noise late at night were strong from nearby residents about one venue behind the Jungceylon shopping complex.

Patong Mayor Pian Keesin said venue owners should respect their neighbors. ''This is important,'' he said. ''All business needs to be conducted professionally. Even you, Khun Prab, son of Khun Pian, must be honest as well.''

The exchange brought laughter and applause from about 500 people at the seminar in the football field at Loma Park on the Patong beachfront about 'The Future of Patong.'

Khun Pian said venue operators should not be selfish and should not ignore the needs of their neighbors.

Khun Prab said Soi Bangla was Patong's premium entertainment zone but the noise from the venue behind Jungceylon was louder.

Khun Pian said: ''The new generation is much more honest than the old generation.'' His comment brought cheers of approval.

On parking and traffic, Khun Pian said that confusion over Patong's unusual one-way system, where vehicles take the wrong side of the road in crossing between the beach road and Rat-U-Tit 200 Pi Road, will be resolved in about three months.

''Everybody will stick to the left then,'' he said.

Once the new road behind Jungceylon is complete, a new system will be introduced for Patong, he said.

Khun Pian said power poles in the block bounded by the beach road, Soi Bangla, Rat-U-Tit 200 Pi and the road beside the Holiday Inn would go underground in 2012-2013. The budget of 250 million baht had been approved already.

Dr Jirachai Amornpairoj, president of the Patong Hotels Association, told the crowd that he would like Patong's environment made a priority - especially keeping the sea clean and the mountains green.

''Now our mountains are tinged with red construction sites and white buildings,'' he said. ''This is not what tourists want to see. Let's keep our hillsides green.''

Infrastructure was also a priority, he said, adding that Patong does not have a long-term water supply. A public transport system was also desperately needed, he added.

''Patong has a nice beach, great weather . . . and traffic jams. Who wants those a holiday? Public transport is not good enough.''

Dr Jirachai also said that work was needed to clear the vistas of the beaches that were often obstructed by tuk-tuks or billboards or garbage bins. Gardens could also be improved, he said.

He added that security and prices also had to improve. ''People don't want to come here to die on holiday, or to be ripped off.''

The vast majority of tourists came to Phuket to relax and not to party until late, he said, adding that the views of the silent majority needed to be balanced against the minority who enjoyed nightlife.

''I would like to tell the mayor that beaches need to be kept free of construction on the beach side of roads,'' he said. ''No buildings should get between the view that people enjoy so much and the beaches. It's not a construction opportunity.''

Asked to give a score out of 10, he rated the work of Patong council as a five.

Mayor Pian led the afternoon session of chat, speeches and questions from the audience. Khun Prab was among the audience. On the stage with Khun Pian were Dr Jirachai and representatives from Patong's entertainment sector, Patong vendors, motorcycle taxi riders and taxis.

The audience, with taxi and tuk-tuk drivers in blue uniform well-represented, enjoyed free food and drink.