Cable-car project ‘will damage Phu Kradueng appeal and ecology’

“As soon as the construction is completed, cable cars will bring a huge number of people to the top of Phu Kradueng. That’s when the ecological system will be affected,” Seub Nakhasathien Foundation chairman Sasin Chalermlarp said yesterday. 

He made the comment after the Cabinet acknowledged a feasibility study on the Phu Kradueng cable-car project, which concludes that construction of such facilities for this popular attraction in Loei province is feasible and would be worthwhile. 

Last year, 72,793 tourists visited Phu Kradueng National Park. It is closed between June and September every year for ecological rehabilitation.

However, when the cable-car services are available, more than 250,000 tourists are expected to visit the park annually. 

Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn, who oversees the Tourism and Sports Ministry, yesterday said there was now a solid possibility that the cable-car project would go ahead. 

The estimated budget for the project is Bt633 million. The construction’s environmental impacts can be minimised with the help of helicopters during the transport of construction materials. New trees can also be planted in the forest zone affected by the construction.

“Most participants in the meetings on the project agree with it,” Tanasak said. “The cable-car project will deliver many benefits including greater safety.” 

 

EIA to be conducted

He said that once cable-car services were available, it would be easier to help people in times of emergencies. 

Tanasak said an environmental impact assessment would be conducted to determine whether the project should really go ahead.

Sasin said supporters of the project should ponder carefully why they want a cable-car service at Phu Kradueng National Park. 

“If you think cable-car services will benefit elderly tourists, you must understand that the cable car will take its passengers only to certain spots. If elderly tourists want to look around, they will still have to walk,” he said. 

He also dismissed suggestions that cable cars would attract foreigners to the park.

“There are pine forests in Europe and China too. People from those [places] won’t come especially for it,” he said. 

Sasin said Phu Kradueng National Park offered a great trekking trail because it was not too difficult for tourists to traverse it. 

“Tourists can admire natural scenery along the trail.” Normally, it takes three to five hours to complete the trek. Luggage carriers are on hand to help tourists with their bags. 

Some people who have travelled to Phu Kradueng have lamented about the planned cable-car project. 

“The ‘We are the conquerors of Phu Kradueng’ label will suddenly lose its meaning,” one tourist said. 

He said some national parks in Thailand were conveniently accessible by cars and buses. There is thus no real need to ruin Phu Kradueng National Park with cable-car services.