Thailand's Phu Kradueng Cable Car Project Secures Budget Approval

Photo courtesy of The Nation

A long-discussed initiative to enhance accessibility to Phu Kradueng National Park in northeast Thailand has gained momentum with a 25.7 million baht budget sanctioned for its design. With this financial backing, the plan for a 3-kilometre cable car route has entered its initial phase, setting the stage for potentially groundbreaking infrastructural developments.

Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, spearheads this ambitious project, which explores launching from the Pha Mak Dook trail. Estimated costs for this first phase could climb to 1 billion baht. Following this, a second phase focusing on infrastructure enhancement and completing a full environmental impact assessment (EIA) is expected to ensure the park’s ecological integrity remains intact.

Community support for the cable car is notably strong, with local residents largely backing the concept as a means to draw more tourists and stimulate local commerce. That said, Atthapol noted that to protect the park's wildlife, especially in areas inhabited by wild elephants, certain zones may remain off-limits to tourists.

Although the cable car has received support based on its potential to make the park more accessible to diverse visitors, including the elderly and those with disabilities, it has also faced criticism. Detractors argue that the development risks environmental harm, potentially affecting the park's unspoiled forest and diverse wildlife.

The environmental impact study will play a pivotal role in determining the project's trajectory and scope, addressing both environmental and community concerns. The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) endorsed a feasibility study to evaluate the project's potential impact, including cable car design and public consultation, before presenting findings to the National Environment Board. In January, DASTA, alongside park and provincial officials, conducted an on-site inspection within the national park to assess the proposed project area.

As the project progresses, the next stages will be closely watched, balancing the drive for increased tourism access with the imperative to protect Thailand's natural heritage. By leveraging sustainable tourism practices, the project aims to accomplish its goals without compromising the ecological charm that Phu Kradueng is celebrated for.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-06