Residents of Loei province are banding together to advocate for the implementation of a cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park. This initiative has garnered significant support from the local community and business organizations, with calls for the government to prioritize the project becoming more vocal.
Kunawut Budaduang, the chairman of the committee spearheading the cable car campaign, highlighted the long-standing efforts of residents and the Loei Provincial Merchant Association in promoting this project. Banners have been displayed across the province to emphasize the community’s unity in pushing for the cable car.
The idea of introducing a cable car system at Phu Kradueng National Park was first explored during the administration of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. His visit to the park revealed the untapped potential for enhancing tourism and accessibility through such a project. Subsequent administrations, including that of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, also expressed interest in the initiative but faced challenges in moving it forward.
Despite ongoing attention from officials, such as Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, the project has yet to see significant progress. Critics have pointed to a lack of coordination between government agencies as a major hindrance to the project’s advancement. Kunawut urged the current government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to provide clear instructions to the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) for effective project management.
Local support for the cable car endeavor remains strong, with a reported 90% of residents in favor of its development. Kunawut called for former Prime Minister Thaksin to revisit the park and lend his influential support to propel the project forward.
On the government’s side, Chuwit Mitrchob, deputy director of Dasta, provided insights into the progress being made. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has directed Dasta to expedite efforts, including conducting an environmental impact assessment. A budget of 28 million baht, approved in a previous administration, is currently under review for the project’s design phase.
Once the budget is approved, the feasibility study and detailed design phase are set to commence, with an estimated completion timeline of six months. Chuwit confirmed Dasta’s role as the central coordinating agency for the project, signaling a step closer to realizing the cable car initiative at Phu Kradueng National Park.
As the momentum for the cable car project builds, the community in Loei province anticipates positive outcomes for tourism and economic growth in the region. With concerted efforts from both residents and government officials, the vision of enhancing accessibility and visitor experience at Phu Kradueng through a cable car system is inching closer to becoming a reality.
