Mr Rewat publicly provided updated details on the progress of the so-called ‘Old Prison Park’ project, which is under construction on Damrong Rd in the heart of Phuket Town.
The update comes after earlier projections that the park would open by the end of June.
According to the government procurement contract, construction began on Dec 19, 2024, under a B165.8-million contract awarded to Bangkok-based SPM 5988 Co Ltd. The project was scheduled for completion on June 11 this year, spanning a total of 540 days.
The contract stipulates a penalty of B165,802 per day for late completion. However, when asked by The Phuket News whether the penalty would be applied if the project is completed in August, Mr Rewat said it would not.
“No, the PPAO is the cause of a delay in payments,” he said.
Mr Rewat explained that payments under the contract were to be made in 12 instalments and that three instalments have yet to be paid.
“Because the process of securing funding is slow, and the allocation of funds is also slow, I don’t blame the contractor,” he said.
He added that the PPAO expects to process the next payment instalment early this month, allowing the contractor to complete the remaining work and finish the project by late August.
Construction is currently progressing through phases 13, 14 and 15 of the 15-phase project, with work focused on installation of the lighting system, drainage and sanitation infrastructure, tree planting and full installation of water pump equipment.
Overall construction progress has reached 82.07%, Mr Rewat confirmed.
He said construction and landscaping works are continuing according to plan, with the project intended to become a major new green landmark for Phuket.
The development aims to transform the former prison site into a large public park offering space for recreation, exercise and community activities, while also serving as a learning centre highlighting the history and identity of Phuket Town.
Among the new features promoted by Mr Rewat are scenic viewpoints, children’s playgrounds, landscaped gardens and public activity areas, along with a pagoda to house Buddhist relics and multi-purpose facilities designed for tourism and community use.
Mr Rewat again described the park as a new “lung” for Phuket Town residents, intended to improve quality of life while increasing green space in the congested old town area.
The project also includes construction of an eight-storey parking building beside the park capable of accommodating 302 vehicles, aimed at helping ease chronic parking and traffic problems in Phuket Town.
Acting Phuket Palad Naphat Em-on said the province considers the expansion of public spaces and green areas an important part of supporting Phuket’s continued growth as an international tourism destination.
He said the project would provide a creative public space for people of all ages while helping strengthen Phuket’s image as a quality tourism city focused on environmental sustainability.
The former Phuket Provincial Prison, one of the oldest prisons in Thailand, stood on the site for more than 120 years before demolition began in late 2022.
The old prison was originally built during the governorship of Phraya Ratsadanupradit in 1901. The prison closed following the opening of the new Phuket Provincial Prison in Srisoonthorn, Thalang, in December 2020, allowing the historic site to be redeveloped for public use.