Kittisak Morasilp, Director of Patong Municipality’s Engineering Division, confirmed fines have already been imposed. “Progress is only about 30%. The company has fallen behind schedule and penalties were applied,” he said, but declined to disclose the amounts.
“The first instalment of the B42 million contract has already been paid to the company, although the payment schedule was adjusted after the contract was signed,” he said.
“The contractor has not abandoned the site and is being fined for delays,” Mr Kittisak noted.
“However, I cannot say when the work will be finished,” Mr Kittisak added, and denied to give further details.
Patong Municipality signed a B42 million contract with I&P Joint Venture to deliver the first phase of the ‘Patong Welcome Zone’ The 300-day contract began on July 24, 2024, and was due to conclude on May 21 this year.
The phase covers a 950-metre stretch from Coral Beach Bridge to Soi Mor Watthana and includes a new footpath, parking areas, a Patong Beach landmark sculpture and outdoor recreation and performance spaces.
Weerawit Kruesombat, President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) and President of Patong Municipality Council, said the delays reflect the same problems long faced by other local government projects.
“Local government agencies always faced the same issue: contractors who lack competence or abandon projects,” he told The Phuket News.
“This project is different. The contractor has not left in any way ‒ they found issues during construction that required time to fix. We have continued with the same company and fined them for the delay. At least they didn’t run away,” he added.
Mr Weerawit added that the promenade aims to bring order to Patong’s chaotic beachfront. “The goal is to improve parking, accessibility, and organisation, while creating a more functional and attractive walkway,” he said.
Lalita Maneesri, Mayor of Patong Municipality, has actively monitored the Thaweewong Rd landscaping project, visiting the site and discussing issues and obstacles with local business owners and residents.