The Phuket Airport mural controversy

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

According to Lianhe Zaobao, the mural at Phuket Airport in Thailand featured representative attractions of Singapore, sparking controversy online. The airport later apologized in a statement.

According to The Straits Times, on 16 December 2024, a Facebook user posted that in addition to Chalong Temple, Phuket Big Buddha and Phuket Old Town, the colourful Nyonya shophouses on Koon Seng Road in Joo Chiat District, Singapore, also appeared in the mural at Phuket Airport.

Thai media Thaiger quoted the user as saying, "A friend sent me this photo after landing at Phuket Airport and asked me where the photo was. I was confused at the time. Is this Singapore? Why not use our amazing mansions, shophouses and streets? This is a great shame. Please remove it."

He pointed out that shophouses with similar architectural styles can be found in Phuket Old Town. Netizens criticized the airport management for promoting another country and demanded an apology.

Phuket Airport later clarified on Facebook that the photo was deliberately used to suggest that shophouses with similar architectural styles to those in Singapore can be found in Phuket, adding that it was just one of many photos posted inside the airport building.

Images : All the above pictures are from Facebook@Phuket International Airport

According to the Bangkok Post, the airport management said, "We apologize for any confusion or misunderstanding caused. We will continue to resolve the issue."

According to the Singapore Tourism Board website, these pastel-coloured shophouses on Koon Seng Road date back to the 1920s and were home to Peranakans until the 1970s. The houses are decorated with intricate details such as pintu pagar (revolving doors) and tiles with floral patterns.