As the night fell over Phuket, the Division of Public Works staff rolled up their sleeves and got to work on a task tinged with a splash of regret and responsibility. The iconic rainbow crosswalks at the Chartered Bank Intersection, beloved during Pride Month, were being transformed back to the standard zebra crossings we all know well. (Photo: Phuket City Municipality)
The jubilant colors that once radiated inclusivity and celebration were becoming a memory, thanks to an unfortunate increase in motorcycle accidents. The rainbow crosswalks, introduced for Pride Month in June, had a fatal flaw—extra width and slippery paint that turned a wet spell into a skid hazard. Deputy Mayor Prasit Sinsaowapak confirmed that these vibrant paths at the Chartered Bank Intersection would soon be replaced with conventional red-and-white zebra crossings.”
Transformation of the crosswalks is no small feat. Starting from Phangnga Road, a backhoe will be used to tear up the colorful pavement, followed by a layer of new asphalt before the traditional pattern is painted. With nightfall as their working window to reduce traffic disruption, the team anticipates it will take four nights to complete the overhaul of all four crosswalks. Motorcyclists are urged to exercise caution during this period, especially when the rain adds an extra layer of danger.
The rainbow crosswalks had debuted with much fanfare for Discover Phuket Pride 2024, an event that took place on June 29. The crosswalks quickly became a beloved landmark, drawing tourists and locals alike, snapping selfies like social media tokens of support for the LGBTQ+ community. However, celebrations turned bittersweet as the accidents accumulated, almost as frequent as the downpours.
It’s not just Phuket making strides to spotlight inclusivity. The cities of Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen are also in the fray, competing to be Thailand’s nominee to host the InterPride World Conference in 2025—a prestigious global LGBTQ+ event. Come Friday, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) will announce its chosen representative.
While these rainbow crosswalks may soon be a bright splash in Phuket’s history, their moment in the spotlight won’t be forgotten easily. They stood as symbols of acceptance and unity, albeit briefly, before the realities of asphalt and precipitation combined forces to bring everyone back to the drawing board. In the wee hours of the morning, amidst the hum of machinery and the buzzing concerns of motorists, one could still sense the echoes of a vibrant community spirit that refuses to be painted over.
It’s a shame that the rainbow crosswalks are being removed. They were a beautiful symbol of pride and diversity!
I agree, John! But safety has to come first. We can’t ignore the accidents.
True. It’s just disappointing that the paint couldn’t have been made safer.
Why not just use a different slip-resistant paint? Seems like an easy fix.
You can’t just make compromises with road safety. People could get hurt or even die.
Exactly, Lucien. While the symbolism is important, it shouldn’t come at the risk of lives.
Rainbow crosswalks are stupid anyway. It’s just paint, doesn’t change anything for the LGBTQ+ community.
That’s insensitive. Visible signs of support can mean a lot to marginalized groups.
Real change comes from laws and policies, not from painting the road.
Symbolism can drive real change. Visibility leads to awareness.
I live close by and I can confirm those crosswalks were dangerously slippery when wet. Better safe than sorry.
Thanks for the local perspective. Safety should definitely be the priority.
This is really sad. We need more symbols of inclusivity, not fewer.
Maybe they can find a safer way to implement these symbols. Innovation is key.
Agreed. There must be a balance between safety and visibility.
Sometimes practical constraints overshadow good intentions.
Did they really need to remove them? Maybe just adding some sort of non-slip coating could have worked.
Sad to see them go, but thank goodness Phuket is considering public safety. Lives matter more.
Couldn’t agree more, Marco. Practicality should always come first.
Sure, but they should have tested the paint for safety beforehand. This could have been prevented.
Maybe there could be an alternative like sidewalk murals. Those won’t interfere with traffic safety.
This seems like a thoughtful compromise if they really want to maintain symbolism without sacrificing safety.
I think Kayla’s idea is brilliant! Sidewalks can still be a platform for pride.
Yes, that’s a great suggestion! There are always alternatives.
Sidewalks would definitely be safer and still make a statement!
Why not regular zebra crossings that are painted rainbow? Less slippery perhaps?
It’d probably still be slippery if it’s the same paint. Need better materials or methods.
Or just use better quality paint everywhere. Safety and inclusivity don’t have to be mutually exclusive.