Funding halt stalls Phu Kradueng cable car project over environmental concerns

The Phu Kradueng cable car project, a long-anticipated tourist attraction in Thailand’s Loei province, is currently stalled as concerns over the environmental impact have led to a halt in funding approval by the Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Patcharawat Wongsuwan.

Following a mobile Cabinet gathering in Nong Bua Lamphu, Patcharawat revealed that the Cabinet refrained from greenlighting the necessary budget for the new design of the cable car. Without this new design, the involved agencies are unable to conduct another Environmental impact assessment (EIA), despite it being a legal requirement given that the original EIA was conducted more than two decades ago.

Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Puangpet Chunlaiad, reported that the project was approved in principle 20 or 30 years ago, but it has never been carried out.

“I want this project to succeed for the benefit of the people of Loei.”

The PM’s Office Minister, also mentioned that the provincial authorities of Loei had requested US$28 million to start the project.

Once the new EIA is completed, it will be forwarded to the Ministry of Sports and Tourism for review by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), before the Cabinet can reconsider it. DASTA, under existing regulations, has until the end of September 2025 to survey the site for the cable car project.

However, DASTA director Athikun Kongmee stated that the agency plans to finalise and submit the project’s EIA to the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) by next year after the Cabinet denied the funding request.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the cable car on the mountain’s biodiversity. Ornyupa Sangkamarn, secretary-general of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, expressed concerns about the increase in visitors to the park due to the cable car, which could negatively affect the mountain’s biodiversity.

On the other hand, Sutham Thammachart, chairman of the Phu Kradueng Park Shop Operator Association, expressed full support for the cable car project, citing its potential to significantly boost the province’s tourism industry. Despite the concerns and obstacles, the relevant authorities continue to explore ways to make the Phu Kradueng cable car project a reality while taking into account its environmental impact, reported Bangkok Post.