The Padang Besar Municipality Stadium was built with a rectangular track. - Photo: PADANG BESAR MUNICIPALITY/Facebook
BANGKOK: A new 30 million baht (S$1.22 million) sports complex in Thailand has made headlines for its right-angled track, sparking concerns for safety and practicality.
The eccentric track at the Padang Besar Municipality Stadium in Songkhla was first shown in a Facebook post by the municipality office on Dec 24 last year.
Like any other stadium, the track surrounds a regular football field but instead of the usual curves at the four corners, it sports the same rectangular shape as the field.
According to the Facebook post, a group of people, including Padang Besar mayor Suphat Santipiyukul, were inspecting the stadium that day, with the facility yet to be completed.
Former mayor Dech-it Khaothong said the track was not intended for athletic competitions, reported local media.
He said the authorities prioritised building the football pitch and subsequently did not have enough space for a standard running track, according to the Thai Enquirer.
“The track was never intended for athletic purposes but only (to act as an) exercise path for walking,” said Dech-it in a Bangkok Post article, adding that the project had not yet officially been handed over and could still be modified.
“The track is only a bonus, and as for the pitch, it meets all international standards.”
The shape of the track has garnered attention on social media, with amused and concerned reactions from netizens. - Photo: PADANG BESAR MUNICIPALITY/Facebook
The shape of the track has garnered attention on social media, with amused and concerned reactions from netizens.
One Reddit user quipped: “Is today April 1st?”
Another remarked: “In case, this 90-degree turn concept catches on, we’ll need to start practising sharp turns. My knees may not cope.”
Facebook user Christopher Michael del Rosario posted: “Well, you can’t say that the construction company cut corners.”
Another Facebook commenter Phill Oliver wrote: “All the runners are going to blow their knees out. This track is the end of your career.’ - The Straits Times/ANN
