A walk on the crowded side in Phuket old town

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.

Since the reopening of the border, tourists have returned in droves to the island province. After soaking up the sun on the beach, many head to the town centre for some shopping.

Specifically, they make their way to Thanon Klang, the street running through Phuket’s old quarter, which has been closed to traffic and opened to small stalls selling anything…