A new landmark proposed by the government in Krabi province is drawing criticism from locals and online critics for having nothing to do with local culture, local media reported Wednesday.
The large windmill, currently being constructed at the roundabout by Klong Jilad Pier of Krabi, is believed to help generate electricity to illuminate the roadside and serve as a tourist attraction.
The announcement of this new landmark came through a post on the Governor of Krabi Province, Kitibodee Pavitra’s Facebook page with a graphic of a European style windmill building situated at the centre of the roundabout with the caption “New landmark in Krabi coming soon.”
The post received backlash from many as netizens called for the governor and province to invest in more pressing areas such as boosting tourism in the province and developing better city plans for roads and electricity.
Netizens also commented on the lack of cultural awareness in its design, criticizing that the wind turbine does not reflect or inform Krabi’s history and heritage in any way. They urged for a landmark that is more reflective of the uniqueness of Krabi and its people.
After facing criticism and backlash from the public, the post was taken down from the page.
Thai media reporters later revealed that this landmark is, in fact, a project of the Krabi province POA and that it was being built at the Klong Jilad Pier by the POA office.
Once completed, the wind turbine will be able to generate electricity used to illuminate the two parallel roads at the roundabout.
Officials from Krabi province’s POA office told Thai Enquirer that they are not ready to comment on the issue.
