Mayor announces D-Day for illegal signs

PATONG: Patong Municipality Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri announced today that all Patong businesses will be given one month to remove signs that are out of compliance with municipal regulations. On March 10, at the end of the grace period, the Municipality will send out crews to remove all illegal signs. Vendors operating in restricted areas, especially the sidewalks along Thaweewong (Beach) Rd and Soi Bangla, will also be targeted. Mayor Chalermsak told the Gazette, “I don’t know yet how many shops or vendors will have to take down or adjust their signs, but I know that, along walkways, there are signs that are lower than 2.5 meters in height. These are illegal. All signs that obstruct public walkways must also be removed.” The Municipality will also remove all signs that have been erected on public property, especially sidewalks. Signs and vendors which block sidewalks and force people to walk in the chaos of Patong streets have long been a primary complaint among visiting tourists. “I will use my authority to enforce the law, but I will first give businesses a month to bring their signs into compliance. As for vendors along sidewalks, Patong Municipality must clear them out sooner or later. They’ve had plenty of warning,” the mayor said. K. Chalermsak complained about lack of cooperation from local businessmen. “They have a tendency to agree with whatever I say – and then go right back to the same behavior as soon as I turn my back.” Showing signs of frustration, he added, “I will go to take [the signs] away myself if necessary. “They [Patong businessmen] must think about their community. It’s time for them to give something back to Patong. “Phuket is preparing to host an Apec conference [Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Study Center Consortium, May 26-28]. Patong is one place the conference participants will visit, so we have to start getting ready now. We have to take serious action to keep Patong beautiful at all times.”