Mayor leaves legacy of development

PHUKET TOWN: Projects totalling 70 million baht – including a park, high-tech traffic lights and a new symbolic sculpture – are under construction in Phuket Town, marking the end of an era for outgoing Mayor Phummisak Hongsyok. A 10-rai site on Thalang Rd – once home to the Phuket Provincial Electricity Authority complex – is under development as a multi-use area. The park will account for six rai with shops taking up another three rai. The new Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office is expected to occupy the remaining land. A 15-meter-long statue of a hai laeng (sea dragon) – expected to cost 5.5 million baht – is planned for the park entrance. The announcements of these projects were made at a farerwell press conference on December 24 by outgoing Phuket Town Municipality Mayor Phummisak. He is standing down after 23 years in local government. The park is due to open in time for HM Queen Sirikit’s birthday in August and will be named Suan Chalermprakiat 72 Punsa Maharachinee BE 2547 Park. Speaking of the sculpture, K. Phummisak said, “It will be the new symbol for Phuket Town.”