Rewritten Article:
Study on cable car system granted additional two years of analysis
Good news for adventure seekers and nature lovers! The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has extended the feasibility study of the proposed cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province for another two years [1][2]. This decision comes as a step forward in moving the project forward, with the hope of providing a unique tourism experience while preserving the park's natural beauty.
DNP Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa shared that the extension was agreed upon following a meeting with the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) [1]. The department has granted Dasta a two-year permit to conduct comprehensive studies, including feasibility studies, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and detailed design work within the forested areas of the park [4][5]. The expanded timeline should provide ample space for in-depth assessments and planning.
If the EIA gains approval from the National Environment Board, the project is expected to proceed with strong local community support [3]. Attapol stated that all studies should be completed within this two-year period to ensure the project is ready for implementation when the time comes [3]. There has been a substantial decrease in opposition to the project, with many local residents expressing optimism about the project's potential to increase their community's income.
Upon construction's completion, the cable car system will be transferred to the DNP for operations, and visitor numbers will be capped at 5,000 people daily to align with the park's capacity [4]. Safety measures will be in place to minimize any negative impact on the park's ecosystem. Modern cable car technology requires small areas of the forest to accommodate support pillars along the planned 4.4-kilometer route [2].
To further enhance tourism management within a 10-kilometer area of the park, road improvements and shuttle bus services will be introduced between key destinations [4]. The department is also planning to open a new zone featuring safari-like scenery for visitors to observe wild elephants in their natural habitat [3]. The cable car will serve as an exciting addition to the park, attracting tourists while maintaining a balance between tourism development and environmental conservation.
The project, initially proposed in 2012, has faced some delays due to concerns from conservation groups about potential ecological damage caused by increased visitor traffic [2]. However, with thoughtful planning, responsible development, and community involvement, the DNP aims to create a tourism experience that can coexist harmoniously with the park's ecosystem and serve as a model for sustainable tourism projects in the future.
Sources:
- The Nation – Cable car project gets two-year probe extension, https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30406176
- Bangkok Post – More study for Phu Kradueng cable car project, https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1926026/more-study-for-phu-kradueng-cable-car-project
- The Phuket News – Two-year study period for Phu Kradueng cable car project, https://www.thephuketnews.com/two-year-study-period-for-phu-kradueng-cable-car-project-165144.php
- Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) – Study and Development, https://dasta.go.th/en/themes/study-and-development
- Phu Kradueng National Park – Cable Car Project (Thai), https://www.dnp.go.th/pj/parks/12628
- The Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for the cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park will be assessed under the agreement granted by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
- To ensure a harmonious coexistence between tourism development and the conservation of the park's natural beauty, the Department intends to employ advanced technology in cable car design, maintaining small footprints within the forested areas.
- With the successful resolution of local opposition, and optimism surrounding the potential economic benefits, the DNP aims to incorporate sports-related activities and facilities in the new tourism zone within the park, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
