Viewpoint Radar Hill

Radar Hill Viewpoint, or Khao Mai Thao Sip Song Viewpoint, is the highest in Phuket at an altitude of 529 metres above sea level. Radar Hill has the round radar dome on top that looks like a golf ball and is actually a radar station of the Thai army. The road will end at the gates of the military base.

From Radar Hill Viewpoint you have a good view of Patong Beach shoreline. But not much else to see. Mostly serves as "I have been here" pupose.

The Royal Thai Army is protecting the kingdom’s sovereignty. The army was formed in 1874, partly as a response to new security threats following the 1855 Bowring Treaty with Britain, which opened the country for international trade.

Interesting facts about Thai armed forces.

The military has staged 18 actual or attempted coups in 77 years of on-off democracy. Twelve incumbent or retired army or navy chiefs have served as prime minister.

The Thai armed forces are estimated to have well over 1000 generals in active service, more than the U.S. military, which is at least three times the size.

The military controls two national television channels and about half of the hundreds of radio stations in the country.

Military generals often gain prominent public positions after retirement, becoming cabinet ministers, provincial governors, chairmen of state enterprises or heads of national sports federations.

Although Thai troops fought alongside the United States in the Vietnam War, they rarely engage in international conflicts and even then have a mainly humanitarian role.

An homeland, Army is usually the first port of call when there are natural disasters such as flooding and landslides, and they play an active role in combating cross-border drug trafficking.