Officials urge end to risky tourist craze at Ban Pilok sign
Tourists flocking to Kanchanaburi’s scenic Highway 3272 are being warned: climbing or sticking labels on the iconic Ban Pilok road sign is both dangerous and illegal, say local officials.
Sticker vandalism sparks safety and legal fears
The Ban Pilok sign, perched high on a gantry near the remote village of Ban E-Tong, has become a must-stop spot for travellers seeking the perfect selfie. But officials now say the trend of climbing the structure and plastering it with stickers is putting lives at risk and damaging public property.
Apilak Tosaporn, head of the local Department of Highways office, stresses, “The poles and gantry structure are not designed for climbing, and placing stickers on the sign damages state property and obscures important information for motorists.”
Violators could face fines of up to 10,000 baht, six months in jail, or both.
Persistent problem despite clean-up efforts
Despite repeated clean-up operations, stickers—especially on the sign’s upper left corner—continue to appear. Many tourists reportedly stop not just for photos, but to leave behind personal marks, logos, or slogans.
“It’s not only about protecting public property. It’s about preventing accidents. Climbing this structure is extremely risky,” Apilak warns.
New warnings and tougher enforcement planned
Officials plan to install clear warning signs at the site, hoping to deter further sticker vandalism and risky behaviour. The sign marks the start of a winding 63-kilometre route with 399 curves, leading to Ban E-Tong—a village famed for its misty views and rustic charm.
Apilak urges, “We welcome tourists, but please respect the local environment and our safety regulations.”
Can tourists change their ways?
As the Ban Pilok sign’s popularity grows on social media, authorities hope visitors will think twice before risking fines—or their safety—for a photo opportunity.
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