Phuket plans parks at two reservoirs

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (OrBorJor) is looking to develop tourist parks and facilities at two dam sites.

A public hearing was held on Tuesday to gauge public opinion on a plan to turn areas surrounding Bang Wad Reservoir and Bang Neaw Dam Reservoir into eco-tourist destinations.

“The areas have good potential. They are accessible by main roads and surrounded by abundant forest,” OrBorJor chairman Paiboon Upatising said.

The OrBorJor has already assigned a private company to prepare a master plan for area development and organize public hearings under a Bt7.9-million budget.

“A suitable budget for the project is expected to be allocated by the 2014 fiscal year,” Mr Paiboon said.

Pisut Technology executive Songkrit Sanphakit said for the Bang Wad Dam in Kathu, development was likely to mean parking areas, public parks, meeting facilities, accommodation services for visitors, playgrounds as well as restaurants, orchid farms or floral orchards, and adventure zones.

“Kayaking and rope bridges are included in the plan,” Mr Songkrit said.

For the Bang Neaw Dam Reservoir in Thepkrasattri sub-district, plans will include accommodation, a camping area, parks, playground and a medium-sized sports center.

“We are working at a plan. All details should be in place by December,” Mr Songkrit added.

Construction costs are likely to range from 200 million baht to 500 million baht, he said.