Authorities in Phuket are painting over the rainbow crosswalks created for Pride Month in June because their extra width and slippery paint led to more motorcycle accidents.
The crosswalks were painted at the Chartered Bank Intersection in Phuket town. They will be replaced by conventional red-and-white zebra crossings, said deputy mayor Prasit Sinsaowapak.
The process would begin from the Phangnga Road side, with a backhoe required to dig up the coloured pavement. New asphalt will be applied before painting. The work would take place at night and it would take four days to finish all four crosswalks, he said.
Motorcyclists have been cautioned about driving during the construction, especially when rain falls.
The rainbow crosswalks were painted to decorate the intersection for the Discover Phuket Pride 2024 event that was held on June 29. The crosswalks became a tourist attraction during the month, but later were criticised after causing several motorcycle accidents during rainy weather.
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau on Thursday chose Phuket, over Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen, as Thailand’s representative in the competition to host the InterPride World Conference, a major global LGBTQ+ event, in 2025.
The rainbow crossings in central Phuket were created to mark the Discover Phuket Pride 2024 festival. (Photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran)