Report Phu Kradueng Cable Car Project Receives Two-Year Study Extension

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has approved an extension allowing for a comprehensive two-year feasibility study of the long-proposed cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province. This decision aligns with government plans to push the project forward.

 

DNP Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa confirmed the extension following discussions with the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta). The permit now allows Dasta to conduct various studies, including a feasibility analysis, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and detailed design evaluations within the forested region.

 

Attapol indicated that, with the EIA's approval by the National Environment Board, the project stands to benefit from robust local community support. "All studies should be completed within two years to ensure the project is ready for implementation," he stated. He noted that opposition has significantly diminished, with many locals hopeful the cable car will boost community income.

 

Upon completion, Dasta will hand over the cable car operation to the DNP. The park's visitor capacity will be strictly limited to 5,000 people daily to control environmental impact. While acknowledging potential ecological disruptions, Attapol assured that modern cable car technology would minimise harm, requiring minimal forest area for support pillars along the 4.4-kilometre route.

 

In anticipation of increased tourism, plans to improve tourism management within a 10km vicinity of the park are underway. This includes upgrading roads and introducing shuttle bus services to connect major attractions.

 

Moreover, a new area featuring safari-like scenes and opportunities to observe wild elephants is being prepared, further enriching the park's offerings. "The cable car will be a new draw for tourists," Attapol remarked. "A national park cannot thrive without supporting the surrounding communities. We must find a balance between tourism development and environmental conservation."

 

Initially proposed in 2012, the cable car project faced delays due to feedback from conservation groups wary of ecological damage from tourism. This extended study period aims to address such concerns, ensuring that developments enhance both tourism and conservation efforts at Phu Kradueng National Park.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-02

 

 

[hotchilli]

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

has approved an extension allowing for a comprehensive two-year feasibility study

And who's paying for that?

[PETERTHEEATER]

Call me simple but why would it take 2 years to determine if a cable car system is feasible?

Will the cars be capable of carrying an elephant? 😋

[chondan]

Thai officials haven't finished with their land dept. purchases yet.