Pictures on the Facebook site of Pattaya City revealed plans for a major revamp of one of the resorts most notable landmarks – Walking Street
Gone is the grimy road, broken pavements and sleazy frontages, which are to be replaced by an easy to navigate, family friendly, pedestrian zone.
The modern designs make the old and notorious red-light district look.. well, just like that.
But some online reviewers have criticised the plan and noted that it looks like any other soul-less mall.
The designs were presented by the city’s engineering team to mayor Sontaya Khunpluem and his deputies.
But the city mayor doesn’t like it. After all, he is paid not to like it.
He commented that Walking Street has to be “fit for purpose” and not adversely affect livelihoods.
He stressed that any makeover must ensure that the “special smell and flavor” of Walking Street must be maintained.
Though he seemed to concur that the area must be fit for day as well as nightlife use.
After all, said the mayor, Pattaya is a renowned world class resort. And it must be able to generate revenue, that’s important.
He sent the engineers away to come up with some revised designs ahead of the next discussion on the issue.
Thai and foreign comments on the news were extensive but mixed.
Most agreed that it was time for a makeover but opinion differed over exactly how.
