Phuket mulls Muslim prayer hall for Laem Phromthep

An aerial view of Phuket's Laem Phromthep taken

from an ultralight aircraft.

PHUKET: -- huket's Laem Promthep may soon have a Muslim prayer hall (surau), says Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos. The mayor has confirmed that Rawai Municipality is considering plans to build such a facility on the iconic peninsula at the southernmost tip of Phuket island.

The surau, if built, is to provide a place for the Muslim faithful to perform prayers while visiting the landmark.

Rawai Municipality has already consulted with the Phuket Provincial Office and the Phuket Islamic Committee, said Mayor Aroon.

“The project has been proposed to Rawai Municipality council. I think the budget will be about one million baht, but we must first discuss it further with the leaders from the [four] mosques [in Rawai] and the Phuket Islamic Committee. We must also survey the area to find the right spot,” he said.

“I think construction could start next year,” Mayor Aroon added.

The announcement follows Mayor Aroon's leadership of a high-level delegation to Baan Bang Konthi Mosque in Rawai on the evening of August 24.

At the mosque to talk with local Muslims observing the Ramadan fast were Phuket Governor Wichai Phraisa-ngop and his wife Thaisika, Muang District Chief Supachai Pochanakul, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization Vice-President Soratham Jinda and Komol Dumluck of the Phuket Islamic Committee.

Mayor Aroon told the Gazette Rawai Municipality already provides 30,000 baht each year to each mosque in Rawai to support Ramadan activities.

From the 30,000 baht provided, each of the mosques sends one person annually to complete the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-09-10

some people can't feel God inside, they must be in a place with "God is here" in block letters to make sure. Pity another fine spot will be destroyed for that, all for the benefit of the muslim visitors only, since most others will keep well away.

Of course, muslims are doing so much good to the country down South, they deserve the best all around the Kingdom.

From the picture the place looks unspoiled, but I've never been there so don't know. If unspoiled, leave it as it is, else do what is necessary, acceptable, lawful.

no LOUDspeakers puuuulllllease !!!!!