'Hackers' blamed for editing Laem Promthep map pin

PHUKET: Many visitors relying on Google Maps to go to Laem Promthep, a popular sightseeing spot on Phuket island, have ended up in a wrong place after the map pin had been moved by what local authorities called "hackers".

Arun Soros, mayor of tambon Rawai municipality, said the map pin of Promthep Cape on Google Maps had been changed  since Dec 31, affecting many visitors who were taken to a house at Huay Namthor village of Muang district, about 4km away from the popular tourist venue in tambon Rawai of Muang district.

"The move has affected visitors who relied on Google Maps as they were misguided to another venue, which is not Laem Promthep. It’s a waste of time for the visitors. They also missed opportunities to view the beauty of the sunset viewpoint on the island," said the mayor.

The municipality has put up signposts along the route and advised visitors to use nearby areas such as Larn Phra Prom or Promthep Cape Lighthouse to search for Laem Promthep on Google Maps. 

The mayor called on the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry and concerned agencies to help solve this problem.

Pinning and editing a pin on Google Maps can be done by any user without requiring high-level IT expertise since the service relies on collaboration of users to help improve its accuracies. Maps can be private, editable by invite only, or allow public edits.