The much discussed Pattaya tram project officially starts to get underway Monday when the city hosts its first public hearing on its feasibility study.
First proposed in 2016, the tram would make a circle around Beach and Second roads and into Jomtien Beach, City officials announced. This year however, with more funding available and a focus on the Eastern Economic Corridor project, the tram program looks to finally get underway.
A consultant hired by the study has published its conclusions on feasibility, design and environmental impact and will present them Monday.
The hearing will begin in an eighth-floor meeting room at the Brighton Grand Pattaya Hotel in Naklua at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 16. The hearing is public but will be in Thai language.
There will be a brief summary of the history, objectives and scope of the project by architect Kritsada Pollasub and an explanation of environmental effects by environmental expert Prapat Krungpanich.
Public participation in the project will be outlined by consultant Monchanok Witarama and will conclude with a question-and-answer session and taking of public comments.
The Pattaya News notes that the Baht Bus association in Pattaya as well as groups of motorbike taxi drivers already have made public many concerns about the project and plan to be at the hearing.
