Sukhumvit Road may be getting a makeover. Tuesday at City Hall, a full house of government officials met to discuss the possibility of renovating the landscaped median strip dividing north and south Sukhumvit Rd. City Hall Council Chairman Tawit Chaisawangwong, Mayor Ittiphol Khunplume, Deputy Mayor Weerawat Kahkai, and Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Ruemkitjakarn met with Council members and debated the pros and cons of a renovation project.

One of the Council members, Khun Amnart Tiangtham asked what measures City Hall would take if trees on those street islands were to be cut down. Would billboards be erected? Would they coordinate with the new expressway? Would it be better to avoid unsightly billboards and stick to landscaping?

The Mayor also noted that landscape modifications must be part of a long-term vision and policy, and the ongoing drainage system work along Sukhumvit must be taken into account.

The palm trees presently lining the road are a hardy species, and do not need much regular maintenance. Billboards over 12 meters have special restrictions on their use. City Hall promises to continue to study the possibility of redecorating the thoroughfare.

News stories placed on this website are short versions. If you would like the full story, please read the Pattaya People Weekly newspaper.