Opinion: A Concrete Threat To Phuket's Future

MANY people on Phuket say that the island is a long way short of being overdeveloped. There is space for more resorts, condos and villas.

What they argue may be true, if the sole measure of development is the amount of concrete covering what were once green, natural areas or plantations.

Bear in mind, though, the permanent changes that have already been wrought.

Patong Bay was once home to turtles and dolphins. Did the resort town become overdeveloped on the day when the last turtles and dolphins swam away?

The island's leading holiday centre should be an appropriate example when decision-makers contemplate whether they want unrestricted development, or a balance between construction and nature.

But a balance means placing a limit on construction.

Like Patong, Phuket is, to many people, not yet completely developed. But how will we know when that point is reached?

-- Full report at www.phuketwan.com