Cable cash approved: Thai Cabinet greenlights 28 million baht for sky-high project in Phu Kradueng

The Thai Cabinet recently approved a 28 million baht budget to design a contentious cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei, according to Lertsak Watthanachaikul, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Loei. This was further confirmed by PM’s Office Minister Puangpet Chunlaiad, a former Loei MP, who stated the design fund was presented to the cabinet at a meeting in Nong Bua Lam Phu on Dec 4.

Puangpet explained that the Cabinet agreed to the fund for generating a cable car blueprint. These disclosures counter the earlier statement by government spokesman Chai Wacharonke, who denied any discussion on the project at the said meeting.

Lertsak clarified that the Cabinet session on Monday, December 4 did not discuss the cable car as an independent project. Instead, the design fund was part of a broader budget aimed at the development of Loei province.

The cable car project, which has been a topic of public disagreement, initially received approval from the Yingluck Shinawatra administration in 2012, followed by an order for a feasibility study.

Since the project received initial approval in 2012, it doesn’t require another principle approval from the following Cabinet. The previously conducted feasibility study has also been updated.

Despite the uncertainty over the project’s approval in the December 4 meeting, Lertsak confirmed that the issue made it to the cabinet’s purview as part of Loei’s development plan.

“The cable car policy is moving forward.”

Lertsak added that the project received residents’ backing due to the potential economic progress it offers.

Lertsak dismissed concerns about environmental damage from cable car construction and overtourism, assuring that Phu Kradueng’s carrying capacity will be considered. Meanwhile, Sasin Chalermlarp, the Sueb Nakhasathien Foundation’s chairman and a recognised conservationist, praised Pheu Kradueng as Thailand’s finest trekking trail in a Facebook post yesterday.

On Monday, concerns were voiced by the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation over potential overcrowding at Phu Kradueng National Park. Read more about it HERE.