The original plan, repeatedly revised to try to have as few trees cut down as possible, was put on hold earlier this week after an outpouring of anger by local residents who claimed they were never asked their opinion on the B40-million project. (See story here.)
“I received the revised plan from the Tourism authority of Thailand (TAT) head office in Bangkok at about 3pm today (Nov 13),” Mayor Aroon told The Phuket News.
“We have already handed over the new plan to our Public Works Division, and the new plan means that not a single tree will need to be cut down.”
The plan accounts for five structures, Mayor Aroon explained.
“One will be a souvenir kiosk and another will be a tourist information centre. This will be for local benefit,” he said
If the Public Works Division at Rawai Municipality approves the plan, a meeting of local residents and TAT officials from Phuket and bangkok will be called, Mayor Aroon added.
“At the meeting, local residents will have an opportunity to express their opinion. I believe we can hold the meeting before Wednesday next week,” he said.