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THE ROAD to Rawai still has that small problem of the shop that won't go away, the spot where the motorcycle lane runs out of room then resumes 50 metres further along.

As so often happens with stubborn resisters, the Rawai stayput has generated local controversy and become a quirky tourist attraction.

A large arrow makes the suggestion that vehicles should move to the right immediately. The outside lane simply comes to an unsightly end then starts up again on the other side of the shop.

Some motorcyclists have failed to negotiate the narrowing and come a cropper in the process.

Early reports have suggested that the owner of the small shop that stands in the way of the completion of the road widening is simply holding out for more money.

It has been said that if the authorities part with five million baht for the small plot of land, the problem will disappear.

The is not the case. The owner of the land, who runs a small restaurant next to the big arrow, prefers not to be identified.

But she did tell Phuketwan that the case was one of principle. As a substantial landholder and businesswoman, the money is not the issue for her.

She says she is not planning to sell at any price. She says that during the first round of road widening, she happily agreed to giving up her rights to what amounted to one lane of roadway.

However, because of a bureaucratic mistake, she was not included in the arrangement when it came to widening the road a second time.

It appears that all the landowners along the road to Rawai from Chalong were contacted, except her. So, having been left out, she is staying put.

She is not planning to sell. And she has the chanote title to prove that the land is hers.

The local authorities are sitting back and waiting to see whether a solution emerges.

But some community leaders would like to see action taken to resolve the issue.

Methee Tanmanatragul, President of the Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter, believes the land should be taken fr public need, leaving the owner to seek compensation.

''The government or the local authorities should have the power to appropriate land for use as public utilities,'' he said.

''It's ridiculous that you drive to Rawai and have to brake because, for 50 metres, there's no road.

''How can something like this happen? Someone owns the roadway? Five million, six million people need to use this small piece of land.''

Khun Methee believes that if the land is officially seized for public use, the owner should have the right to pursue justice through the courts.

''Yes, if you want to sue the government in court, go ahead,'' Khun Methee said. ''This is the way it has to be done.

''Sue for 50 million baht if you want. The government should be able to behave in this way occasionally.

''The owner can ask for 500 million baht. Let's settle in court. This is wrong, you know?

''On the way to the airport, near the British International School, it's the same, the road narrows.

''Every time I pass that area, I think: 'What is going on here? In my country?'''

So, you have been warned.

Watch out for that arrow on the road to Rawai. And bear in mind that the little restaurant serves some excellent meals, mostly prepared by the stayput owner.

Who is right on this issue? Can an individual stand in the way if the law allows it? Tell us what you think now by commenting below.