PATONG Mayor Pian Keesin has given the go-ahead to a 39-million baht feasibility study for the tunnel underpass through Patong Hill.
The green light for the controversial study of the multi-billion baht development came as the new Patong tessaban approved spending totalling 271 million for the coming year.
Putting the beachfront wiring in Patong underground at a cost of 161 million baht also won approval.
But it is the underpass project that will capture most attention, having been rejected consistently by previous tessaban.
Mayor Keesin swept back to office as mayor in an election on July 27 but challenges to the result delayed his official appointment by a month.
With his election also came a landslide victory to his party, Rak Patong, (Love Patong) which won 11 of the 18 seats on the tessaban.
The opposition party, Patong Gao Na (Patong Progress) had previously held control, although Khun Pian was mayor.
Khun Pian is a populist leader who supports the Patong Tunnel and the lifting of the 80-metre height limit on building on Phuket.
He is also believed to be keen to push for a cable car between Patong and the Big Buddha, on Nakkerd Hill in Chalong, and a sports complex on the outskirts of northern Patong.
Several companies have already expressed interest in funding the cable car. But along with the lifting of the height limit, environmental authorities will need to be persuaded first before the go-ahead can be given.
In the Patong budget backed by the tessaban on Wednesday, a total of 271 million baht was approved with 61 million baht for municipality management and 161 million baht for community services, including water and power.
Another 29 million baht was set aside for economic development.
Other spending will total 18 million baht, with 13 million baht for special events.
Khun Pian insists that a tunnel under Patong Hill will ease the holiday resort town's traffic problems, reduce the number of accidents on the winding road across the island, and connect Patong more speedily with Phuket City.
Patong Mayor Fights to Lift 80-Metre Limit
The green tops of Phuket hills will become the island's latest development site if the newly returned Mayor of Patong has his way. He wants the 80 metre limit lifted. Environmentalists say, No Way.
Patong Mayor Fights to Lift 80-Metre Limit
Patong Mayor Pian Wins despite Poll Challenge
After a month's delay for a poll challenge, Patong has a reelected mayor. Pian Keesin is likely to push the Patong Tunnel and the Big Buddha cable car; Phuket mourns five in van blast; Alert on PAD action.Patong Mayor Pian Wins despite Poll Challenge
Patong Tunnel Go-ahead Likely After Poll
The advocates of the Patong Hill underpass are now in charge after Sunday's sweeping change at the polls in Patong; Laguna's ESPN sportsfest rescues a school; Chalong sailing regatta win for Aussies.Patong Tunnel Go-ahead Likely After Poll
The green light for the controversial study of the multi-billion baht development came as the new Patong tessaban approved spending totalling 271 million for the coming year.
Putting the beachfront wiring in Patong underground at a cost of 161 million baht also won approval.
But it is the underpass project that will capture most attention, having been rejected consistently by previous tessaban.
Mayor Keesin swept back to office as mayor in an election on July 27 but challenges to the result delayed his official appointment by a month.
With his election also came a landslide victory to his party, Rak Patong, (Love Patong) which won 11 of the 18 seats on the tessaban.
The opposition party, Patong Gao Na (Patong Progress) had previously held control, although Khun Pian was mayor.
Khun Pian is a populist leader who supports the Patong Tunnel and the lifting of the 80-metre height limit on building on Phuket.
He is also believed to be keen to push for a cable car between Patong and the Big Buddha, on Nakkerd Hill in Chalong, and a sports complex on the outskirts of northern Patong.
Several companies have already expressed interest in funding the cable car. But along with the lifting of the height limit, environmental authorities will need to be persuaded first before the go-ahead can be given.
In the Patong budget backed by the tessaban on Wednesday, a total of 271 million baht was approved with 61 million baht for municipality management and 161 million baht for community services, including water and power.
Another 29 million baht was set aside for economic development.
Other spending will total 18 million baht, with 13 million baht for special events.
Khun Pian insists that a tunnel under Patong Hill will ease the holiday resort town's traffic problems, reduce the number of accidents on the winding road across the island, and connect Patong more speedily with Phuket City.
Patong Mayor Fights to Lift 80-Metre Limit
The green tops of Phuket hills will become the island's latest development site if the newly returned Mayor of Patong has his way. He wants the 80 metre limit lifted. Environmentalists say, No Way.
Patong Mayor Fights to Lift 80-Metre Limit
Patong Mayor Pian Wins despite Poll Challenge
After a month's delay for a poll challenge, Patong has a reelected mayor. Pian Keesin is likely to push the Patong Tunnel and the Big Buddha cable car; Phuket mourns five in van blast; Alert on PAD action.Patong Mayor Pian Wins despite Poll Challenge
Patong Tunnel Go-ahead Likely After Poll
The advocates of the Patong Hill underpass are now in charge after Sunday's sweeping change at the polls in Patong; Laguna's ESPN sportsfest rescues a school; Chalong sailing regatta win for Aussies.Patong Tunnel Go-ahead Likely After Poll
