THE NEW chief of Kathu Police station plans a major overhaul of traffic for Patong that is likely to include changes to the one-way system and to parking.
Speaking to sources, Colonel Arayapan Pukburkhao, formerly of Phuket's Tung Tong Police Station, said he also plans reviews of tourist safety, entertainment closing times and the CCTV camera system.
Some of what the colonel appears to be suggesting could have ramifications for the tuk-tuks and hire-car and bike rent vendors who have the majority of parking space along Patong's beach road.
In his first message to the public since taking over from Colonel Grissak Songmoonnark, Colonel Arayapan said there were increasing problems every day with Patong's traffic.
''It's just not working effectively,'' he said. ''People are fighting each other over parking.''
The colonel is also a critic of the two-way links between the beach road and Rat-U-Thit-200-Pi Road where drivers have to shift to the right-hand side of the road, often confusing for visitors.
''We need a keep-left system that functions to international standards,'' he said, adding that cracking down on people riding motorcycles without a helmet or licences would also be a priority.
The connection between Patong and Phuket City also needed improvement so that traffic could flow smoothly.
On the safety of tourists, the colonel plans to ensure visitors are protected. ''Today we have many other countries competing with us, so if Patong is not safe, these people may go elsewhere,'' he said.
Colonel Arayapan said that many tourists also did not go out to Phuket's entertainment areas until late, so a closer examination of closing hours was needed. Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob recently proposed an entertainment zone for tourists only that could stay open until 4am.
Colonel Arayapan said that Thais accepted the 1am closing rule, but that this was not in keeping with the expectations for an intenrnational destination.
''If tourists are forced to drink on the beach or in the streets, we can expect to always have trouble,'' he said.
Colonel Arayapan plans to talk with local authorities but it's anticipated that better road signs around Patong will be the first indication of change.
Phuket Beach Party Draws 2000 - and CriticsSpeaking to sources, Colonel Arayapan Pukburkhao, formerly of Phuket's Tung Tong Police Station, said he also plans reviews of tourist safety, entertainment closing times and the CCTV camera system.
Some of what the colonel appears to be suggesting could have ramifications for the tuk-tuks and hire-car and bike rent vendors who have the majority of parking space along Patong's beach road.
In his first message to the public since taking over from Colonel Grissak Songmoonnark, Colonel Arayapan said there were increasing problems every day with Patong's traffic.
''It's just not working effectively,'' he said. ''People are fighting each other over parking.''
The colonel is also a critic of the two-way links between the beach road and Rat-U-Thit-200-Pi Road where drivers have to shift to the right-hand side of the road, often confusing for visitors.
''We need a keep-left system that functions to international standards,'' he said, adding that cracking down on people riding motorcycles without a helmet or licences would also be a priority.
The connection between Patong and Phuket City also needed improvement so that traffic could flow smoothly.
On the safety of tourists, the colonel plans to ensure visitors are protected. ''Today we have many other countries competing with us, so if Patong is not safe, these people may go elsewhere,'' he said.
Colonel Arayapan said that many tourists also did not go out to Phuket's entertainment areas until late, so a closer examination of closing hours was needed. Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob recently proposed an entertainment zone for tourists only that could stay open until 4am.
Colonel Arayapan said that Thais accepted the 1am closing rule, but that this was not in keeping with the expectations for an intenrnational destination.
''If tourists are forced to drink on the beach or in the streets, we can expect to always have trouble,'' he said.
Colonel Arayapan plans to talk with local authorities but it's anticipated that better road signs around Patong will be the first indication of change.
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Good fortune to good Sir, I am all for good change in all traffic rules. Too many incidents here.
We can adapt for the benefit of all people. Bravo Colonel Arayapan.
Posted by Graham on February 25, 2010 09:57