Bizarre ‘airplane’ light poles spark online debate in Samut Prakan (video)
A wave of online chatter erupted after images went viral of densely packed airplane-shaped light poles in Nong Prue subdistrict, Samut Prakan.
Critics are questioning the necessity and cost of the elaborate structures, while local officials insist the project follows regulations and is an innovative way to boost the area’s identity.
The viral images, first shared by the Samut Prakan Facebook page, show rows of solar-powered light poles topped with airplane sculptures lining both sides of the road near Suvarnabhumi Rajavinit School.
The post’s sarcastic caption hinted at excessive spending, prompting a flurry of mixed reactions from netizens.
Some commenters mocked the project, saying, “I don’t know which one to take,” while others questioned the priority of such spending over more pressing issues like waste management.
One user noted, “Can we take care of the garbage on the roads first?” Another Facebook page even posted a nighttime photo of the lit-up poles, jokingly asking, “How much do these cost each?”
A news team visited the site and confirmed that the construction is ongoing, with dozens of workers still installing the structures.
According to a project sign, the work is expected to continue until August 8, under a 143-million-baht budget. The funds cover road construction, an entrance arch, landscape improvements, and the installation of solar-powered lighting poles in Villages 2 and 3 of Nong Prue subdistrict, Phase 1.
Udom Klinpuang, mayor of the Nong Prue Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, defended the project, stating that the light poles were spaced according to regulations and were not as close together as they appeared in photos.
He emphasised that the airplane design was a deliberate choice to reflect the subdistrict’s proximity to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Despite public scrutiny, Udom remains unfazed by online criticism, seeing the viral discussion as a way to put Nong Prue, Samut Prakan, on the map. He noted that most people associate the name Nong Prue with Chon Buri, and this unique installation helps distinguish the subdistrict, reported Channel 3 Plus.
Meanwhile, another light pole project is already in progress, with plans to add 156 more poles at a cost of 17 million baht. With the debate raging on, questions remain about whether these airplane-themed lights are truly a smart investment—or just an expensive spectacle.
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