Phu Kradueng cable car project set for debate at mobile Cabinet meeting

The mobile Cabinet meeting in Nong Bua Lamphu province today is set to deliberate on the long-awaited cable car project at the Phu Kradueng mountain resort in Loei province, according to Phuangphet Chunla-iad, the Prime Minister’s Office Minister.

The local authorities of Loei province are requesting a 28 million baht budget to carry out a survey and draft the design for the cable car construction. This project was initially given the nod by the Cabinet two to three decades ago, stated Phuangphet.

To proceed with the project, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report must be drawn up for approval by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Once approved, the EIA will then be forwarded to the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta), under the Ministry of Sports and Tourism, for further perusal before being presented to the cabinet, Phuangphet elucidated.

The design process encountered delays as the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation only granted permission for an area survey in November.

When questioned about possible opposition to the project, Phuangphet refrained from giving a direct answer. Instead, she emphasised Loei’s status as a tourist province with attractions extending beyond the cold season locales of Phu Rua and Chiang Khan. Phuangphet insisted that the province should appeal to tourists throughout the year.

“The Phu Kradueng cable car project received initial approval 20 or 30 years ago but never materialised. As a former Loei MP, I want this project to take off – for the benefit of the Loei people.”

Cable car project

She further stated that the cable car would offer an alternative means for elderly people to reach the mountain’s summit in Phu Kradueng district, providing panoramic views of Phu Rua mountain and Loei city, a trip that not everyone is physically capable of undertaking on foot.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai weighed in on the issue stating that the Phu Kradueng cable car project called for collective consideration and brainstorming given the conflicting opinions about it. Emphasizing the need for meticulous studies due to ongoing environmental concerns, he added.

When asked whether the project would be implemented under the current government, Phumtham confirmed the government’s readiness to back the project, provided it encounters no issues, reiterating the need for thorough studies.

Sutham Thammachart, chair of the Phu Kradueng National Park’s shop operators group, expressed his full support for the project, highlighting the significant boost it would deliver to tourism within the province.