Loei’s Phu Kradueng Cable Car: Decades-Long Dream Soars
Residents of Loei province are reigniting their campaign for a cable car system in Phu Kradueng National Park, a project envisioned decades ago but repeatedly stalled by bureaucratic inertia. This renewed effort underscores the local community and business sector’s longstanding desire to improve access to this popular natural attraction, while raising concerns about the government’s capacity to effectively manage and prioritize such development initiatives.
Phu Kradueng National Park, a beloved domestic tourism destination known for its challenging hikes and stunning plateaus, serves as the backdrop for this ongoing debate. The cable car proposal, initially conceived during Thaksin Shinawatra’s premiership, aims to broaden visitor access, including for the elderly and people with disabilities. Mr. Shinawatra, reportedly impressed by the lack of such infrastructure during a visit, contrasted Thailand unfavorably with Malaysia and Singapore, which have successfully integrated cable cars into their tourism sectors.
Kunawut Budaduang, chairman of the pro-cable car committee, emphasized the strong local support, estimating that over 90% of residents favor the project. He highlighted renewed interest during the Yingluck Shinawatra administration, which also pledged to assess its feasibility. However, despite repeated expressions of interest and evaluations by various officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, the project remains stalled.
Mr. Budaduang expressed frustration with the current administration led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, criticizing what he perceives as a lack of inter-agency coordination and a tendency to shift responsibility. He specifically urged the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) to take decisive action and called on Ms. Paetongtarn to provide Dasta with a clear mandate. “Dasta has not even been formally instructed to manage the project,” he stated. “We ask Ms. Paetongtarn to give Dasta clear instructions so the project can move forward. It’s time for a final decision.” He even appealed to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to revisit the park and reiterate his support.
Despite the apparent stagnation, progress is evident. Chuwit Mitrchob, Dasta’s deputy director, confirmed that Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong directed Dasta’s board to expedite the project. An environmental impact assessment is underway, a crucial step in determining the project’s viability and potential environmental effects. Moreover, a 28-million-baht budget, allocated during the Srettha Thavisin administration, is under review by the Budget Bureau to fund the project’s design phase. Mr. Mitrchob indicated that once approved, the feasibility study and detailed design phase, expected to last six months, will commence. He confirmed Dasta’s appointment as the central coordinating agency two weeks prior and expressed optimism regarding the imminent start of construction.
The Phu Kradueng cable car project exemplifies the complex interplay between local aspirations, environmental considerations, and governmental efficiency. While proponents view it as key to unlocking economic potential and enhancing tourism, the government’s ability to overcome logistical and environmental hurdles to fulfill a decades-old promise remains to be seen. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this long-awaited project finally transitions from concept to reality.
