Approval sought for 70 million baht junk boat-shaped skywalk in northeast Thailand

Government officials in northeast Thailand are seeking approval for a 70 million baht budget for a new boat-shaped skywalk in the Isaan province of Sa Kaeo called the “Khao Chakan Skywalk.”

The Khao Chakan Skywalk will be made of glass and made in the shape of a “junk” sailboat, a type of classical Chinese sailing ship used in Southeast Asian waters for centuries.

The Mayor of Khao Chakan district, Chot Daengchan, said the junk boat-shaped skywalk would attract tourists to Sa Kaeo province.

The idea has received a lot of support from locals who say the skywalk could become a new landmark for the province, boosting the local tourism industry and economy.

If the 70 million baht budget is approved, the skywalk will be built in a scenic area between two mountains in Khao Chakan Forest Park.

Mayor Chot and the Director of the park Charin Sengloilean travelled to the area to study the feasibility of the project yesterday.

Chot said he isn’t sure about the reality of the project just yet but is inviting officials from relevant agencies, engineers, and experts to the location to try and make his dream a reality.

So far, engineers have drawn up a 3D model of a 69-metre-long, 12-metre-wide glass skywalk in the shape of a junk boat. The skywalk will be adorned with two sails to complete the look.

Park director Charin said that the 3D model along with a study on the environmental impact of the project would be soon be submitted to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP).

Charin said the budget used to construct the skywalk was set at 70 million baht, and four percent of the budget was for the study and design fees. If approved, he said the project would be completed in three years.

Chot added that he had a backup plan if the DNP did not give the project the green light. The second plan was to offer a nature trail on the mountain. He believed that this trail could draw tourists to the province, too.