“It has to go,” Eknarin Chantawong, a senior highway official in Lampang confirmed on Tuesday.

Eknarin said he was aware of opposition against the plan to dismantle the marker, which was built with a budget of Bt3 million nine years ago.

“But the project to expand traffic lanes covers this spot. The expansion is needed because this area has had traffic congestion, which is very serious during holidays,” the official explained.

He said his agency would consult Lampang provincial authorities on whether another symbol would be erected in place of the giant marker.

The huge structure was constructed in 2008 by former governor Direct Konklab. The budget came from development funds for communities near a power plant.