The road suffered devastating damage after heavy rains on Aug 23, the day of the deadly landslide that killed 13 people.
Inspecting the site on Aug 23, Mayor Jadet explained that the collapse occurred because water from the mountain could not drain into the sea fast enough.
This caused water to back up through the drainage pipes, leading to flooding along the embankment, which eventually gave way under the pressure, he said.
An officer from Karon Municipality Public Health and Environment Department explained, “This occurred because the road wasn’t compacted properly, causing it to sink further when water accumulated. Asphalt doesn’t hold up well under prolonged exposure to water, which has led to further deterioration.”
Mayor Jadet has confirmed, “We anticipate completing the repairs within a month, using our own staff and municipal resources to speed up the process.”
He insisted that “the area around the Pak Bang Rd now is not dangerous as we’ve blocked it off well and are taking quick action to fix the problem.”
“Right now, we’ve blocked off the area and sealed that danger. Karon Municipality workers are fixing the road by filling it with soil and cement to ensure all the people will be able to use it again safely,” Mayor Jadet explained.
“Most areas, including Baan Kata School and a nearby small restaurant, remain unaffected by the road damage, allowing them to continue operating as usual,” he added.
“We’re actively working on repairs, but the frequent rain has caused some delays. Our team is on-site every day to monitor and address the situation as quickly as possible,” Mayor Jadet explained.
“Karon Municipality has taken on the repair work ourselves, as budget constraints and the complexities of government contracts have prevented us from hiring an outside company. This has posed challenges, particularly since external contractors are reluctant to work with us under these conditions,” Mayor Jadet added.
A specific budget has not been set. “As more materials need to be added, the total cost is uncertain. Therefore, it is important to use the municipality’s limited budget carefully,” he said.
“We’re currently using our municipality’s limited budget to address the issue. Additional funds from the central government will be allocated after the council meeting in September, but that process takes time due to bureaucratic procedures,” he explained.
“All relevant information, including maps and photos, will be posted on the Karon Municipality Facebook page. I suggest you follow to see all updates there,” Mayor Jadet suggested.