Controversial sticker-covered Pai highway sign sparks fury

[snoop1130]

 

In Mae Hong Son’s Pai district, the highway sign that reads Welcome to Pai has found itself at the centre of a heated controversy.

 

Adorned with an array of stickers, the sign has divided opinion on whether it’s a quirky tradition or a potential road hazard.

 

The viral photo, widely circulated on social media over the past week, showcases the sign drowning in stickers, capturing the essence of bikers who stop by to commemorate their journey through the northern province. However, amidst the allure of this tourism gimmick, concerns over safety and legality have emerged.

 

According to the person who first shared the controversial image, bikers customarily decorate the sign with stickers from their clubs while snapping selfies or group photos, adding a personal touch to their visit. Proponents argue that this ritual has become integral to Mae Hong Son’s charm, drawing tourists eager to participate in the tradition.

 

Yet, dissenting voices raise valid points about the obstructed visibility of the sign, potentially posing risks to motorists. Questions about the legality of defacing government property further fuel the contentious dialogue among online communities, reported The Nation.

 

Suggestions abound on addressing the issue, ranging from erecting a separate sign exclusively for stickers to community-driven initiatives funded by local entrepreneurs. However, amidst the clamour, one fact remains: all stickers have been removed from the sign at the time of reporting.

 

As discussions rage on, it’s essential to note the legal ramifications. The Highway Act of 1992 unequivocally prohibits any alteration or damage to highway signs, with violators facing hefty fines or imprisonment.

 

Should you witness similar infractions, don’t hesitate to report them to the Highway Hotline at 1146.

 

In related news, the Machanu Roundabout, where Jomtien Second Road meets the path to Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, has turned into a perilous zone, prompting residents to demand swift intervention. The pedestrian crossing signs, seemingly innocuous, are placed at a precarious height of only 160 centimetres.

 

By Mitch Connor

Caption: Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-23

 

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[poobear]

I  noticed the sign the last time I rolled into town and thought it was perfect for Pai. The fact that is is slowley turing into another noisey thai bar town, not so much.

 

Pai is well on the way to loosing most of it's quirky charm from the amount of bars now downtown. I lived right down town and ran a buisness for 5 years and know many of the locals that own homes downtown that can no longer live in their own homes or rent out resorts that hey have held for years. Pounding bass beat all night and smoke filling their homes from the bars on either side of where they sleep. Outsider's running bar businesses is driving them from their homes and killing local business.

 The old house on the hill in Pai

[bannork]

Climate change produces dramatic effects, but to have Pai now residing in Issan is truly alarming 

[SAFETY FIRST]

We have many signs outback Australia that look similar but these signs are riddled with bullet holes. 

 

Edited February 23 by SAFETY FIRST

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The viral photo, widely circulated on social media over the past week, showcases the sign drowning in stickers, capturing the essence of bikers who stop by to commemorate their journey through the northern province. However, amidst the allure of this tourism gimmick, concerns over safety and legality have emerged.

Put up a sticker board somewhere safe... 

[PETERTHEEATER]

Yet, dissenting voices raise valid points about the obstructed visibility of the sign, potentially posing risks to motorists.

 

White lettering on a blue background denotes an information sign. It is not a traffic sign. Even if it was, how many Thai drivers even see traffic signs let alone obey them? 🙄

 

[khunpeer]

On 2/23/2024 at 8:16 PM, poobear said:

I  noticed the sign the last time I rolled into town and thought it was perfect for Pai. The fact that is is slowley turing into another noisey thai bar town, not so much.

 

Pai is well on the way to loosing most of it's quirky charm from the amount of bars now downtown. I lived right down town and ran a buisness for 5 years and know many of the locals that own homes downtown that can no longer live in their own homes or rent out resorts that hey have held for years. Pounding bass beat all night and smoke filling their homes from the bars on either side of where they sleep. Outsider's running bar businesses is driving them from their homes and killing local business.

 The old house on the hill in Pai

we used to live on the edge of town, right next to the river, but the backside of our house then faced the barstreet: nightly sounds of fightd, broken bottles, peeing etc, then flooding came about 19 yrs ago and although my house was still standing, we decided to move to MaeHee (AmphurPai)! local style, after 8pm no sounds except from far-far away some dj-sounds... I still can live w that! 

the town has changed drastically over the years, so that makes people moving around, not a big deal for me...