Pattaya official bent on continued development of the city were told to fix exiting problems before building new ones at the site of the proposed Thappraya Royal Park.
The third public hearing on the Pratamnak Hill project saw consultant Feel Green Design Co., Ltd. present three options for development of 285 rai of park and woodland to representatives from Pattaya’s 42 neighborhoods. And the overwhelming sentiment community leaders gave back was “hold on”.
Pattaya needs to improve infrastructure, existing facilities and security on Pratamnak Hill before going on a new building binge, residents said.
Environmental specialist Yingchareon Koosakulrat outlines options for Thappraya Royal Park.
Feasibility study director Kanchit Phuboonlap and environmental specialist Yingchareon Koosakulrat said doing as community leaders suggested – improving facilities, roads and three existing gardens – was one of three options.
The second alternative calls for creation of a mixture of a tourism attractions and a nature-conservation area with some food and beverage stalls around the area.
The third option, however, is full-on development. It calls for a large Buddha statue, souvenir shop for locally made products, an educational center, bridges, viewpoints, a meditation area and multipurpose areas.
Nearly everyone objected to paving over most of the wooded areas, calling the forestland the heart of Pattaya that needs to remain healthy and unharmed.
What residents want most is better security and more lights, priorities made larger by two robberies and a rape at the existing Chalermprakiet Park since January.
Faced with the wall of opposition, consultants said they now would go back to city hall and determine how to proceed.
