Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has ordered the complete removal of a series of decorative street lamps recently installed in Chiang Mai, following a wave of public criticism and concerns over their non-standard design.

 

Mr. Montri Dechasakulsom, Director-General of the DRR, announced that the lamp posts installed along Rural Highway Route CM.2025, stretching from National Highway 11 to Rattanakosin Road in Mueang District, known locally as Atsadathon Road, do not meet the department’s 2018 national road lighting design standards.

 

In response to the backlash, which gained traction across both traditional and social media, Mr. Montri said the DRR questioned the Chiang Mai Rural Roads District Office about the rationale behind the installation. The local office responded that the design aimed to reflect the cultural identity and architectural heritage of Chiang Mai. However, Mr. Montri stressed that all public infrastructure must comply with national standards to ensure consistency, safety, and fiscal accountability.

 

“I have ordered the Chiang Mai office to dismantle the decorative lamp posts immediately,” Mr. Montri said. “They must redesign the lighting system to align with the Department of Rural Roads’ 2018 standards and complete construction as scheduled.”

 

The removal follows weeks of public scrutiny, with many questioning the necessity, cost and aesthetic suitability of the elaborate lamp designs, which featured ornamental elements not typically seen on public roadways.

 

Mr. Montri further stated that a directive has been issued to all Rural Roads offices nationwide, instructing them to adhere strictly to the department’s approved designs. He also urged close monitoring of all future lighting and infrastructure projects to maintain efficiency, safety and compliance with national policy.

 

“The intention may have been to support tourism and enhance road safety,” Mr. Montri added, “but public works must follow standardised procedures to avoid miscommunication and unnecessary controversy.”

 

The decorative lamp posts are being removed from Atsadathon Road and new installations will be carried out under the DRR’s standard guidelines.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-13

 

 

 

5 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

The local office responded that the design aimed to reflect the cultural identity and architectural heritage of Chiang Mai

 

Looks like pvc plumbing pipe. 

money wasted, but the who ordered them enriched himself already..Shameful

Oh...someone's' son has a business that recycles PVC....the good side to this is that the poles have been paid for....and, probably very well paid for!