Senators Push Phu Kradueng Cable Car with MOU Imminent

Tourism

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September 24, 2025Sep 24

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

The Senate’s Tourism and Sports Committee has announced plans to advance the long-debated Phu Kradueng cable car project, Loei province, with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) expected soon. The move was revealed at the “Tourism Synergy” seminar held on 24 September 2025 in Bangkok, where senators also raised concerns about cross-border booking platforms undermining local operators.

Committee chairman Pisuth Rattanawong emphasised that tourism is not only an industry but also a driver of national economic growth and soft power. He stressed that income should benefit local communities rather than remain concentrated in major cities. The committee highlighted the need to improve community products, packaging and storytelling to better attract tourists.

Attention then turned to the Phu Kradueng cable car, a project that has been discussed for more than 20 years. Pisuth confirmed that preparations are under way for an MOU between the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. He said the project would open up access to natural attractions for all ages while preserving the ecosystem.

Pisuth also raised concerns about multinational online booking platforms, which he said distort competition by operating outside Thai tax and legal frameworks. These platforms reportedly sell accommodation at unfairly low prices, severely impacting domestic businesses. He urged the government to act swiftly to ensure a fairer and more balanced market.

Another issue highlighted was the impact of misleading negative news, which Pisuth warned can damage Thailand’s tourism reputation instantly. He called for stronger cooperation between public and private sectors to create a modern, rapid-response communication system to protect the country’s image.

The seminar featured contributions from former tourism minister and senator Weerasak Kowsurat, who delivered a keynote on the importance of tourism synergy. Attapol Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, also spoke on tourism in national parks. The event was described as a key forum for shaping the future direction of Thai tourism towards greater resilience and global prominence.