PATONG Mayor Pian Keesin put his political muscle behind reversing the one-way system, the Patong Hill tunnel, buried power lines, and a new environmental tax on street vendors yesterday.
He also said that in his opinion, Patong could realistically sustain no more than 50,000 rooms for tourism and it was approaching 40,000 now.
Phuket's media turned out in numbers for Mayor Pian's annual address, and so did his Patong council supporters, neatly dressed in black suits and flowers.
Members of the public were hard to find, perhaps intimidated by the luxurious surroundings of the Kee Resort's Grand Hall when previous gatherings have been held in public spaces at ground level.
Taking the stage near a screen that said '' Leading Patong to be the greatest tourist attraction,'' Mayor Pian ranged far and wide in spelling out his vision for the future of Patong.
Flooding Mayor Pian pointed out that the days of dramatic flooding in Patong were over - improved drainage had solved that traditional problem.
Water recycling The government had committed a budget and it would happen soon.
The tunnel Mayor Pian said the tunnel would also do away with the need to pump water up the hill. A large parking lot on the Kathu side near the entrance would allow riders to leave their motorcycles and commute via shuttle buses, easing pressure on Patong's roads. The old steep and windy road will stay - but buses, trucks and motorcycles will not be permitted to use it. The chances of the tunnel going ahead? ''100 percent,'' he said.
One-way reversal Patong's one-way system would become ant-clockwise after this high season ''for sure'' and it would be legal, safer, and better for business, Mayor Pian said.
New tax A new tax is planned for street vendors who often dump their product residue in drains or public places. The tax would be devoted to ameliorating the environmental effects.
Patong power A three kilometre stretch of the main road behind Jungceylon would have power and other wiring placed underground at a cost of one billion baht, Mayor Pian said, making the route one of the most desirable business zones for the future.
Patong Pride In an effort to make the Patong gay festival a highlight of the year, Deputy Mayor Chairat Sukban is to be sent to Rio for the famous annual carnival there to learn how Patong could improve its version.
Tsunami Mayor Pian said that he had confidence in the tsunami early warning system that was now in place but was less sure that Patong could dim its lighting permanently to stave off global warming.
The mayor is up for reelection next year.
Cruise Liners to Test Phuket's Taxis, Tuk-TuksHe also said that in his opinion, Patong could realistically sustain no more than 50,000 rooms for tourism and it was approaching 40,000 now.
Phuket's media turned out in numbers for Mayor Pian's annual address, and so did his Patong council supporters, neatly dressed in black suits and flowers.
Members of the public were hard to find, perhaps intimidated by the luxurious surroundings of the Kee Resort's Grand Hall when previous gatherings have been held in public spaces at ground level.
Taking the stage near a screen that said '' Leading Patong to be the greatest tourist attraction,'' Mayor Pian ranged far and wide in spelling out his vision for the future of Patong.
Flooding Mayor Pian pointed out that the days of dramatic flooding in Patong were over - improved drainage had solved that traditional problem.
Water recycling The government had committed a budget and it would happen soon.
The tunnel Mayor Pian said the tunnel would also do away with the need to pump water up the hill. A large parking lot on the Kathu side near the entrance would allow riders to leave their motorcycles and commute via shuttle buses, easing pressure on Patong's roads. The old steep and windy road will stay - but buses, trucks and motorcycles will not be permitted to use it. The chances of the tunnel going ahead? ''100 percent,'' he said.
One-way reversal Patong's one-way system would become ant-clockwise after this high season ''for sure'' and it would be legal, safer, and better for business, Mayor Pian said.
New tax A new tax is planned for street vendors who often dump their product residue in drains or public places. The tax would be devoted to ameliorating the environmental effects.
Patong power A three kilometre stretch of the main road behind Jungceylon would have power and other wiring placed underground at a cost of one billion baht, Mayor Pian said, making the route one of the most desirable business zones for the future.
Patong Pride In an effort to make the Patong gay festival a highlight of the year, Deputy Mayor Chairat Sukban is to be sent to Rio for the famous annual carnival there to learn how Patong could improve its version.
Tsunami Mayor Pian said that he had confidence in the tsunami early warning system that was now in place but was less sure that Patong could dim its lighting permanently to stave off global warming.
The mayor is up for reelection next year.
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I can just picture Chairat on a Rio float. All his dreams coming true!
Posted by mike on March 24, 2011 09:59