Patong one-way to stay

PATONG: The one-way traffic system in Patong will stay after the 90-day trial period is over, the Superintendent of Kathu District Police Station has told the Gazette.

Col Teeraphol Thipjaroen said the system would definitely remain in place, though with improvements to meet the demands of people in Patong. To this end, a survey will be carried out to gauge public opinion and collect suggestions, he added.

The survey will be organized by the Phuket Tourist Association with the help of staff and students from Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus (PSU).

PTA Deputy Chairman Sarayuth Mallam told the Gazette, “We have recruited academics from PSU to create the survey questions and produce 1,000 copies of the forms. Students will then distribute the forms to people in Patong, including Kathu District Police, Patong Municipality officers, hotels, drivers, local businessmen in Patong as well as some people in Phuket City.”

As the forms will be in Thai language, PSU students will interview foreign tourists in English to get their views on the issue.

“We will ask if people think the new system has increased or decreased road safety. There will be a space on the form where people can submit their own ideas and suggestions,” he said.

“When all the forms have been collected, the academics will analyze the results and write conclusions. We expect this to be ready by the end of the month. A meeting will then be held by Kathu District Police to announce and discuss the results,” K. Sarayuth said.

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