Official opening after restoration of Wang Kee On waterfall in Patong

“As today is the birthday of the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, we agreed to officially open the waterfall to the public on this special day. Patong Municipality had the idea with our local community to make Wang Kee On waterfall the new eco-tourism destination for both locals and tourists, right in the heart of Patong. This place has a long and interesting history, which is worth preserving for future generations,” Chalermluck said.

“On March 11, 1959 King Bhumibol Adulyadej paid a visit to the waterfall during his trip to Patong. In 2014, we started to raise a fund under the name of Wang Kee On waterfall administration committee, which included both officials and locals, to buy the land in front of the waterfall to reopen it again. It cost the committee Bt10 million and a year later, Patong municipality arranged an additional Bt10 million budget to make the study centre.”

Another Bt10 million was allocated to treat water in the area and redirect wastewater away from the flow.
Wirun Kingkaew, a local Patong resident and a volunteer developing the waterfall site, said he was very glad to be part of reviving the waterfall for the Patong community and visitors.
“I remember I used to jump in the water at the waterfall when I was young. It was clear and beautiful. There was no road or houses around like nowadays where businesses now occupy the land around the site and release wastewater into the waterfall,” Wirun said. 

“Fortunately, Patong Municipality approved a budget to separate wastewater drainage from the waterfall. The municipality and residents are also building nine small dams at the waterfall making the water clear and clean as in the old days.” 

Source: https://www.phuketgazette.net/news/official-opening-wang-kee-waterfall-patong