Thailand, Jan 8: A newly built municipal sports complex in southern Thailand has attracted widespread attention after images revealed a running track with sharp right-angled corners, an unconventional feature that has prompted questions about safety and design intent.
The 30-million-baht sports facility at Padang Besar Municipality Stadium departs from the traditional oval layout commonly seen in athletics venues. Instead, the track mirrors the rectangular shape of the football field it surrounds, featuring 90-degree turns at each corner.
Photos of the facility were first shared by the local municipality on December 24, showing officials inspecting the site while construction was still underway. Authorities confirmed that the project has not yet been formally completed or handed over, leaving room for possible design adjustments.
Officials involved in the project said the stadium’s primary focus was the football pitch, which complies with international standards. Space constraints around the field meant that a conventional athletics track could not be accommodated.
Former Padang Besar mayor Dech-it Khaothong said the track was never designed for competitive running, explaining that it was intended only as a walking and exercise path for public use. He added that the track was a supplementary element and could still be revised before final approval of the project.
Despite these clarifications, the unusual layout has sparked a lively reaction online. Social media users have responded with a mix of humour and concern, with some questioning the practicality of sharp corners for runners and others making light-hearted jokes about the design.
While officials maintain that the facility meets its intended purpose, the stadium’s distinctive track has turned a local infrastructure project into an unexpected talking point, highlighting the balance between design limitations, functionality and public perception.
