Thai sports complex draws criticism over flawed track design
A new sports complex in southern Thailand has come under public scrutiny after a 6.92 million baht walking track was built with dangerously sharp angles. Officials defend the design, but critics say it reflects poor planning and questionable use of taxpayer money.
- A sports complex in southern Thailand has drawn criticism over a 6.92 million baht running track with sharp angles, deemed unsafe and impractical.
- Local authorities say the track was never meant for competitive use, citing limited land space.
- The case has sparked wider concerns about infrastructure planning and use of public funds.
A newly constructed sports complex in Padang Besar, a town in Sadao district of Songkhla province in southern Thailand, is facing mounting criticism after images revealed a sharply angled track surrounding the football pitch—raising concerns over safety and design standards.
The project was funded with a budget of 33.41 million baht (approximately US$955,000), with nearly 7 million baht allocated specifically for the construction of the track.
Photos of the completed complex, shared on the Facebook page of Padang Besar’s local municipal office, triggered widespread public backlash. Many online commenters noted that the track's corners were too sharp for running, rendering it impractical and potentially hazardous for users.
Responding to the controversy, Dech-it Khaothong, a former Member of Parliament for Songkhla and a former deputy interior minister, clarified that the track was never designed for competitive athletics.
Dech-it, who was involved in securing the project's funding, explained that spatial constraints made it impossible to construct both a full-size football pitch and a regulation running track. As a result, priority was given to the pitch, and a walking path was added in the remaining space.
“The track was never intended for athletic purposes but only as an exercise path for walking,” he stated. He also noted that the project has not yet been formally handed over to the local municipal authorities and could still be revised or modified.
Dech-it emphasised that the football pitch itself adheres to international standards, and the track was included as an additional feature. “The track is only a bonus,” he said.
Despite the clarification, the public response remains critical. Many have questioned the rationale for including a non-functional track at such a cost, with some calling it an example of flawed project planning.
Concerns have also been raised about whether additional funds would now be needed to correct the issue, further increasing the project's total cost. Critics argue that this reflects a broader issue of weak oversight and inefficient resource allocation in local infrastructure development.
While local officials have not confirmed whether design changes will be made, the case has reignited debates around the need for stricter planning protocols, public consultation, and transparent budgeting in regional infrastructure projects across Thailand.
