Tourism Neglected Waterfall in Uttaradit Shocks Visitors with Derelict State

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A once-celebrated tourist attraction in the heart of Lap Lae district has left visitors dismayed after discovering its current state of disrepair and abandonment. Mae Phlu Waterfall, previously promoted as a must-see destination in Uttaradit province, now lies in a ghostly, derelict condition, with decaying facilities and overgrown paths rendering it unfit for public use.

 

On 23 May, a group of domestic tourists who travelled to Mae Phlu Waterfall to admire its famed rainy season beauty were shocked to find the site completely neglected. Reporters who followed up on the complaint confirmed the dismal state of the area.

 

Located in Moo 4, Mae Phlu subdistrict, the site requires visitors to walk 500 metres from the main car park to reach the waterfall. Along this path, overgrown weeds and dilapidated infrastructure paint a stark contrast to the idyllic images seen in promotional materials. Visitor benches lie broken, shops and rest areas are unsafe due to collapsing roofs and ceilings and the public toilets emit a foul odour, suggesting a prolonged lack of maintenance.

Once a vibrant location, the waterfall area featured tiered concrete formations designed to mimic a natural cascade, blending harmoniously with the surrounding environment. It attracted both locals and tourists, who came to relax, swim and support small businesses offering food, drinks and souvenirs.

 

Mae Phlu was also a source of community income and served as a valuable water resource during both the dry and rainy seasons. Despite this, the site has evidently suffered from long-term neglect by the authorities.

 

Lap Lae district chief Mr Surawut Janngam, who recently assumed his position two months ago, admitted he had visited the site and found the conditions consistent with tourist complaints. He acknowledged the lack of public access and said the province’s governor has issued a directive to rehabilitate the area.

 

Mr Surawut explained that while many of the structures were built over a decade ago using provincial development funds, the waterfall itself lies within the jurisdiction of the Royal Forest Department. This has created administrative hurdles in implementing repairs. However, plans are now being discussed to officially designate the area as forest land for educational and recreational use, which would allow Mae Phlu Subdistrict Administrative Organisation to allocate a dedicated budget for its restoration.

 

Local officials and community leaders hope to revitalise the site, turning it once more into a scenic, safe and economically valuable destination for both visitors and residents.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-24.