Sure it's boosting domestic tourism - At the expense of foreign tourism. Like I've said before: July and August used to be mini high season along the beach with the Europeans. But after two consecutive "projects" along the beach they gave up. Now with the beach side (pickups parking) as well as lowlife locals on motorbikes on that glorified road , I mean promenade , the Europeans along the beach are long gone. Yesterday Sunday took songkow from North to South and walked beach from South to North. About 99% Thais.