To whomsoever it may concern:

The National Public Works Department of Thailand has recently completed the building of an erosion barrier and flood wall with associated foot path and drain along the banks of the MekongRiver, extending from Wat Hai Sok to Wat Meechai.

Now the NongKhaiMunicipality is proposing to build a road between this walkway and private property. The road would extend the full length of the already completed walkway.

The Municipality claim that this will have two functions. Firstly it will provide access along the Mekong riverbank, and secondly it will stop encroachment by private land owners onto public property.

We, the Nong Khai community who reside along the riverbank and visitors to Nong Khai ask that this project should not go ahead for the following reasons:

1) That the space is too narrow to build a road which will be of any practical use.

2) In many places the road will lead to a dead end. This will mean that cars will be trapped along the road with no space for passing other vehicles, or turning around.

3) That the road is not necessary and will lead to noise and pollution.

4) That too much use of concrete is ugly and unsightly and will spoil the beauty of Nong Khai which will have a negative effect upon tourism. Moreover, a number of beautiful old trees will have to be removed.

5) That the proper use of the riverbank in urban areas is for walking, cycling and recreation, not for driving.

We, the Nong Khai community who reside along the riverbank and visitors to Nong Khai humbly suggest:

1) That instead of a road, trees and flowers are planted to both encourage tourism and recreation and to deter those landowners who would wish to build or encroach upon public property.

2) That a system of clear markers is put in place and the general public informed as to where land boundaries exist.