A walk on the crowded side in Phuket old town

Tourist magnet: The walking street in the Old Town area in central Phuket is clogged with visitors on Sundays. A plan is being mulled to expand the walking street in the wake of a steadily increasing number of international arrivals to the island province after a three-year Covid-19 downturn. (Photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran)

Phuket's tourist magnetism has extended from its beaches inland to its walking street that is now bursting at the seams.

A plan was afoot to expand the walking street but it is proving easier said than done. Car park spaces are scarce and any expansion could run into resistance from residents who share the street which the popular open-air market occupies.