AN apparently-illegal public market at beachfront Loma Park and the smell in Soi Bangla were criticised today at a public meeting of Patong's elected council.

''Why have this commercial operation on the beachfront in a public park?'' said council member Prasan Nuchet. He called the Loma Park market an ''angel market'' that could not be touched, despite its illegality.

Khun Prasan also said that commercial operations had sprung up around the public toilets along the beachfront. ''If people want a restaurant, they should put it somewhere away from the toilets,'' he said.

''The toilets are not meant to be used as a magnet for restaurants and bars.''

Another council member, Weerawit Kersombat, said he had received complaints about the smell in Soi Bangla, Patong's main tourist walking street after 6pm. ''Why is the garbage not taken care of properly?'' he asked.

Patong Mayor Pian Keesin said he would ask cleaning staff to pick up the garbage from Soi Bangla more frequently, and have the legitimacy of the Loma Park market looked at.

The meeting, the second for the year, was held at the Patong tessaban administrative offices.