AT a recent City Hall meeting officers discussed traffic congestion problems, especially along ‘Walking Street’ and ‘Beach Road’ in South and Central Pattaya.

Vendors stopping on footpaths and roads, restricting both foot and vehicle traffic was the main concern, and this also occurs outside apartment blocks and construction sites.

Another matter was the restriction of vision by large business signs, plus unsightly overhead telephone and power cables, and over time, these are planned to be placed underground. These costly changes are also difficult, as liaison is required between National Telecom, the Electricity Supply Department, and City Hall in order to complete such a task. The large amounts of parking space taken up by motorbike rental companies in busy areas such as South Pattaya was not mentioned in detail, but will no doubt be discussed at future meetings.

http://www.pattayatoday.net

They have these meeting every single year but nothing ever changes.

They must be getting serious, this is the second time it has been reported in about a month.

I recently visited Tak, after doing the border run to Mae Sot.

The city really is a credit to the council, with what they have achieved.

Driving through the shopping district, you get the feeling that you're in a western city, not in Thailand.

The facade of the different shops are painted in tasteful bright colours and there are no cables to be seen anywhere.

The advertising signs are easy to see but they don't spoil the look of the buildings.

In fact the whole town is very neat and tidy with manicured gardens and good traffic planning.

The river foreshore has playgrounds for children, temples, parade grounds, tennis courts etc

We watched from the hotel window while a large group of people did aerobics to upbeat music

down on the parade ground. These people must be very proud of their city.

I didn't see any rubbish lying around (that you see in every other Thai town!).

If you haven't been there yet, make sure you get there one day, it's really a delightful place.

We stayed at the high rise hotel on the foreshore which is 5 star quality, but the place was

nearly empty - such a waste.

We went to the restaurant in the evening and we were the only diners.

Were were entertained by a one-man band and two talented young lady singers.

The food and service was excellent. The best steak I've had for a long time.

Council members from other Thai cities should go there and see what is possible and get some advice.

Vendors stopping on footpaths and roads, restricting both foot and vehicle traffic was the main concern, and this also occurs outside apartment blocks and construction sites.

Not to mention motorcycles on the footpaths.