I read an article the other day on buying a condominium in Patong, and it mentions, "Patong's world-class facilities". Also saw something similar in another publication, so I thought I'd enlarge upon this somewhat, because there are many things to do in Patong namely: –

– Hire a scooter and play"dodge the potholes" as there are many to be found just metres away from the "world-class facilities".

– Try your hand at "moto-cross" negotiating one or all of the six mud-laden deathtraps on the new middle road.

– You could sample the service at Patong hospital after stepping into a large pothole just outside of the Jungceylon complex.

– Test your sense of smell at the large hole, within metres of the Jungceylon complex, which has been present for about 2 years now and which is full of septic tank run-off, greywater and rotting food.

– Negotiating the precarious state of the drain covers in Bangla Road, but don't lift them up!!!

– Should you be confined to your room after experiencing some misfortune from the above, then you can always rely on the expertly installed power and Internet supplies around the place.

Quite how and why the powers that be have managed to turn what looked to have a good future in front of it, into something resembling a cesspit, still amazes me. And before I get the usual retorts of "well why don't you leave"...........the reason is, that I wanted it to be all that it had promised a few years ago, and I made friends and put down roots, not to mention that I financially support a Thai family here.

I don't know if this place can be turned around, and if that isn't the case, then I suspect I will be looking at alternatives, however painful that may be.

The writing was on the wall for Patong about 10 to 12 years ago, maybe longer, when it was run by one family (democratically elected) who allowed unfettered development as long as their construction company were awarded the contracts & anyone else had to pay them off if they wanted to work. They had spies riding around continuously to ensure no one fell under the radar. This, what virtually looks like non regulated development, continues to this day.

Love the pic of the floor mat covering the metal hatch.

Of course, Rawai is so much better, right?

Of course, Rawai is so much better, right?

Right!

Of course, Rawai is so much better, right?

How would you know, do you ever leave Patong or Bangla rd???

As long as tourists keep coming nothing will change.

There might well be world class facilities it's when you leave them and go outside that you see the real world of Phuket.

Of course, Rawai is so much better, right?

How would you know, do you ever leave Patong or Bangla rd???

Living in Patong, I can only aspire to be able to live in Rawai one day. It's such an affluent area of Phuket.

Have to agree with Valentine, it was the local gov't with their huge kickbacks that led to the place turning into a big pile of steaming world class dung.

Of course, Rawai is so much better, right?

How would you know, do you ever leave Patong or Bangla rd???

Living in Patong, I can only aspire to be able to live in Rawai one day. It's such an affluent area of Phuket.

I am saving up for my Salaeng to be ready for the move too.

Have to agree with Valentine, it was the local gov't with their huge kickbacks that led to the place turning into a big pile of steaming world class dung.

"that led to the place turning into a big pile of steaming world class dung." - are you talking about Pattaya, or Phuket?

This post got me thinking and at the moment I cannot think of a single "world class" facility in Patong. Someone please help!

Have to agree with Valentine, it was the local gov't with their huge kickbacks that led to the place turning into a big pile of steaming world class dung.

"that led to the place turning into a big pile of steaming world class dung." - are you talking about Pattaya, or Phuket?

Poo-ket

Of course, Rawai is so much better, right?

Actually, the roads in Rawai and Nai Harn are pretty good.

Kudos to whoever is in charge of them.

I agree Patong is battered. But, I imagine, give it a few more years and they might even get that new road completed.

They probably should have kept it closed until finished.

Unfortunately Thailand needs 100 years of Western colonization to then be able to take care of themselves and their country in a decent, progessive manner.

Of course, Rawai is so much better, right?

Actually, the roads in Rawai and Nai Harn are pretty good.

Kudos to whoever is in charge of them.

I agree Patong is battered. But, I imagine, give it a few more years and they might even get that new road completed.

They probably should have kept it closed until finished.

Certainly the roads that I cycle when passing through Rawai are generally in good condition. Rawai beach road has the best designated private vehicle parking areas that I've seen anywhere on the island, with properly marked spaces for motorcycles along the sidewalk next to the beach, and car parking spaces on the other side of the beach road (must be parking for over 100 cars along that road).

Unfortunately Thailand needs 100 years of Western colonization to then be able to take care of themselves and their country in a decent, progessive manner.

Correct but (Needed) I think

PATONG is a lot of things, but World Class it ain't.

I avoid the place like the plaque, it's not for me....

But saying that I do know a lot of people who like it, so different strokes for different folks...

Enjoy....

Of course, Rawai is so much better, right?

How would you know, do you ever leave Patong or Bangla rd???

Living in Patong, I can only aspire to be able to live in Rawai one day. It's such an affluent area of Phuket.

So true, Rawai is rich in art, music, good restaurants and a real feeling of communtity. Come on down!

Whereas Patong is such an effluent area of Phuket.

in order to be called a world class the "facilities" need an ample supply of toilet paper.

According to this recent news story in the Phuket Gazette, the newly elected Mayor of Patong is trying to make a difference but it all seems dependent upon her success in bringing together a quorum to begin with;

PHUKET: A boycott by members of Pian Keesin’s Rak Patong Party this morning forced Chalermluck Kebsab to abandon her first council meeting as Patong Mayor.

See more at; http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Boycott-forces-Patong-mayor-abandon-inaugural-council/29620#ad-image-0

The diehards of Patong obviously fear her influence already.

Unfortunately Thailand needs 100 years of Western colonization to then be able to take care of themselves and their country in a decent, progessive manner.

Totally agree with you....but I doubt if our Thai friends would agree... That would be loosing face big time..

I don't care about the state of the roads in Patong because pot-holes slow the traffic down. Same applies in the UK. What worries me are the rumours that shower and bath water drains into the bay.

Unfortunately Thailand needs 100 years of Western colonization to then be able to take care of themselves and their country in a decent, progessive manner.

Goose! Aren't you aware that NOT being colonised is what has made Thailand the paradise it is today!!

Of course, Rawai is so much better, right?

How would you know, do you ever leave Patong or Bangla rd???

Living in Patong, I can only aspire to be able to live in Rawai one day. It's such an affluent area of Phuket.

The word is effluent. Thank you.

in order to be called a world class the "facilities" need an ample supply of toilet paper.

There's plenty of toilet paper, it's usually on the tables in restaurants/cafes.

It is "world class" just didn't specify which world! Euro types think first world, but take a look at the rest of the world a bit. Think Nigeria, Syria, Sudan.... that is part of the world they aspire to one would think.

Totally agree with you....but I doubt if our Thai friends would agree... That would be loosing face big time..

No.....that would be losing face big time.

As long as tourists keep coming nothing will change

as soon as they don*t come any more in big numbers, everything will turn to worse...