Bumping along a Phuket road, one can be forgiven for thinking that complaints about the numerous pot-holes are either non-existent or fall on deaf ears.

This is, however not the case, and the Office for the Consumer Protection Board is taking steps to address the constant stream of complaints.

The most common ones are concerned with over-loaded trucks that cause potholes. Phuket Highways Department Office director Arun Sane is in the process of addressing these concerns and said, “We have a budget of 17 million baht to build a permanent weight checkpoint but are still considering where to build.”

The locations that are currently being considered include the Bypass Road; Khokkloi, Phang Nga; Ban Tanoon village, Phang Nga and Tha Chat Chai.

Whichever location is eventually decided upon; it will take up to six months to complete.

Potholes are especially prevalent at intersections where trucks carrying sand or other materials stop for a long time waiting for the green light. One solution is to change the surface of the affected areas from tarmac into concrete - a process that is currently underway at the major junctions along the Thapkassatri Road .

Another solution is to be more vigilant in imposing the already exisiting weight restrictions. The limits of the gross weight of vehicles range from trucks to articulated lorries range from 9,500kg – 4,500kg. Khun Arun said “The checking takes place twice a month and each time takes 3-4 days. Many people are caught, however then they know the location of the scheme and avoid it.”