Phuket Governor inspects Patong ahead of tuk-tuk clearout

PHUKET: Ahead of the December 31 deadline to clear parking spaces along the Patong beach road for tourists, Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusust yesterday inspected the sites where tuk-tuks will no longer be permitted to park after December 31.

“The project [story here] can reduce traffic jams in Patong and make the beachfront look more beautiful,” Governor Maitri said.

During his inspection tour, Governor Maitri was accompanied by Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Witoon Kongsudjai, Patong Police Superintendent Chiraphat Pochanaphan and Patong Deputy Mayor Chairat Sukban.

Seven parking zones will be created along the beach road (map here) where tuk-tuks and taxis will not be permitted to queue while waiting for passengers, Col Chiraphat explained.

“Along the roughly 948 meters from Prachanukroh Road to Soi Bangla, 656 meters will be reserved as parking spaces for residents and tourists. The remaining 292m will be reserved for taxis, tuk-tuks and vendors,” Col Chiraphat said.

“However, to prevent taxis from parking illegally in the parking spaces for long periods of time, we will meet with Patong Municipality officers to discuss introducing parking fees,” he added.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong