The mural, done by Pattcharapon ‘Alex Face’ Tangreun, was completed on Saturday (Apr 9), and following its completion, local residents took to social media to either severely criticise or praise the design.
Following posts about the painting going viral, Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana held a meeting this morning as a number of local residents demanded its immediate removal. (See story here)
Speaking about his resignation, Phuket City Deputy Mayor Dr Kosol Tang-utai said, “I apologise for any miscommunication there has been between the artist and myself.
“The idea for this mural was brought up by a group of local people who wanted to do something for Phuket.
“A representative from the group sent me a message via Line application which included a draft of the mural. I replied to the message with a Line sticker saying ʻOKʼ. This led the representative to think that I had approved the project,” he said.
Dr Kosol said that he later learned, once the mural was complete, that the artist had been arrested for painting it without permission.
“I told the artist to inform policeman that I approved the work and that I am a member of The Peranakan Association of Phuket,” he said.
“I think there has been a problem because of the issue surrounding whether he had permission to do the painting, but this can be resolved.
“However, I also heard that the artist received permission from the owner of building, but the problems all stem from miscommunication.
“Also, if the painting does need to be removed it can just be painted over,” he added.
Dr Kosol then went on to say that he was resigning from his position as Deputy Mayor due to the issue.
“The fact is, I don’t have the right to make decisions such as approving the mural. But I must say that I like it and want it to stay. But whether it stays or goes is down to the local people,” he said.