Northeast Thailand’s billion-baht cable car gets green light
Loei national park receives budget for debatable cable car project
A long-proposed cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in northeast Thailand is officially shifting into gear after a 25.7 million baht budget was approved for its design.
Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), confirmed the scheme would see a 3-kilometre route constructed, potentially beginning at the Pha Mak Dook trail. The first phase alone could cost up to 1 billion baht.
A second phase, focused on boosting infrastructure and completing a full environmental impact assessment, will follow. The aim? Make the national park more accessible while preserving its ecological charm.
Locals, it seems, are on board.
“Most residents support the project,” said Atthapol, although he acknowledged that some areas, especially those frequented by wild elephants, may be permanently closed off to tourists.
To attract more visitors and boost local tourism, the department is also weighing the idea of introducing safari-style wildlife tours. While no firm timeline has been set, the momentum behind the project is stronger than ever.
The cable car idea has divided opinion for decades, with critics citing environmental risks and others pushing for improved access to the park’s mountaintop plateau, currently reached only by a steep 5.5km uphill hike.
Supporters argue it will open the park to a broader range of tourists, including the elderly and those with disabilities, while also boosting local income. Critics worry it could damage pristine forest and disturb the park’s rich wildlife, reported Bangkok Post.
The environmental impact study will be crucial in determining just how far the project will go, and how high it might soar.
Back in February, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) backed the government’s plan to launch a feasibility study on the controversial cable car project in Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong tasked the agency with assessing the project’s viability, including cable car design, an environmental impact assessment (EIA), and public consultations.
The results were submitted to the National Environment Board before heading to the Cabinet for a final decision.
On January 15, DASTA, alongside provincial and park officials and community groups, inspected the proposed site within the national park.
Latest Thailand News
Follow The Thaiger on Google News:
