A MAJOR change to Phuket's image is taking root. All along the main road between the airport and Phuket City, it's palms versus billboards.
Gangs of workers on Sunday were digging up the trees that line the median strip along Thepkasattri Road. And in their place are going palmyra palms.
Already the results are visible at the airport's major t-junction, where the plants make a pleasing change. The full effect should become evident once roadwork at the junction is also completed.
At a couple of spots along the highway, palmyra can already be seen. And they look good outside Blue Canyon Golf Course, too.
Motorists approaching the junction from the airport all have to turn left, then u-turn back towards the city, because of the concreting.
The planting of palmyra is an initiative of the Governor, Wichai Praisa-nob, who says the variety is Phuket's living symbol.
The indigenous species is attractive, sturdy and easy to grow in Phuket's climate, he says.
Palmyra already grace one of Phuket's most iconic spots, Cape Phromthep, in Rawai. It is hardy and can grow on rocky outcrops with very little soil.
The big question now is, when will the battle begin with the billboards?
Plenty of Phuket's best-known brands still have their names up along the ''Billboard Alley'' route back to Phuket City.
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Gangs of workers on Sunday were digging up the trees that line the median strip along Thepkasattri Road. And in their place are going palmyra palms.
Already the results are visible at the airport's major t-junction, where the plants make a pleasing change. The full effect should become evident once roadwork at the junction is also completed.
At a couple of spots along the highway, palmyra can already be seen. And they look good outside Blue Canyon Golf Course, too.
Motorists approaching the junction from the airport all have to turn left, then u-turn back towards the city, because of the concreting.
The planting of palmyra is an initiative of the Governor, Wichai Praisa-nob, who says the variety is Phuket's living symbol.
The indigenous species is attractive, sturdy and easy to grow in Phuket's climate, he says.
Palmyra already grace one of Phuket's most iconic spots, Cape Phromthep, in Rawai. It is hardy and can grow on rocky outcrops with very little soil.
The big question now is, when will the battle begin with the billboards?
Plenty of Phuket's best-known brands still have their names up along the ''Billboard Alley'' route back to Phuket City.
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I am beginning to think that all the bad publicity about Phuket is starting to have a very positive effect ! Are we seeing a cleaner, more ''natural beauty'' Phuket, are jet skis on the way out, and maybe, oh maybe, honest tuc tuc drivers ????
Posted by elizabeth on September 14, 2009 21:16