The construction on the island’s west coast, which local officials say will become a major tourist atttraction in time, is expected to take two years to complete and has been allocated a budget of B198 million.
Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO), inaugurated today’s ceremony and was joined by various executive members from the PPAO and Cherng Talay local government office.
Mr Rewat was joined by project officials as the first pillar of the construction was laid at the site today. Also present were several monks to conduct a ceremony to betsow blessings and good luck on the project.
The construction will provide a walkway and viewing platform for local residents and tourists alike to take in the scenic views at Surin Beach and is hoped to become a major attraction in future, Mr Rewat said.
Construction consulting company Pisut Technology Company Limited has been officially engaged to undertake the project which will sit on an area of 9 rai.
There will be two official view points, officials confirmed; the first is the glass terrace walkway that extends approximately 40 metres from the cliff and 50 metres above seas level, which will offer a 360-degree viewing experience of the local area from an observation tower.
The second view point extends around eight metres from the cliff and will be around 20 metres above sea level which will offer spectacular views onto the sea and be especially appealing to take in sunsets, officials said.
The construction of the terrace at Surin Beach is part of a project that will also see an elevated lookout to be built at Promthep Cape in Rawai.
The lookout, also made of glass and currently branded as the “Sky Walk Khao Daeng”, was proposed during a meeting on July 20 held to receive public opinion feedback, which was wholly positive.
The structure will extend about 10 metres from the side of the cliff and is estimated to cost B250mn, Mr Rewat said in July.
Pisut Technology Company Limited have also been engaged to manage this project although no official updates have so far been forthcoming.