FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Major new destination planned in Phetchabun

Major new destination planned in Phetchabun

An eco-tourism icon in Asia-Pacific is being planned for the northeastern province of Phetchabun, with Bt3 billion earmarked for the first phase alone, to prove that the growing number of visitors will not always cause environmental damage.

The master plan and financial feasibility study for the project, set to take shape near Si Thep National Park, was completed by Hong Kong-based Synergy Global Property Alliance Corporation, which worked with Thai and international tourism organisations. The company is confident that implementation will be smooth even though the project will cover a vast area of 1,443 rai.
“The feasibility study is based on detailed discussions with local authorities. The concept of the project is to blend in with the local community, its history and life-style. It is designed to enhance local and international tourism in the area in an ecological responsible way,” Thomas Verlohr, a director of SGA, said in an e-mail interview recently.
“For example, one aspect of the project is self-sustainable eco-farming, which will be designed to work together with the farming community in the area,” he said.
Another director, Graham Catterwell, is certain that the project will not meet any opposition from the locals as small plots had to be assembled and that was completed with cooperation and coordination with local villagers.
The locals are also working on the project site and their role will increase as the project moves forward. Local village headmen participated in the planning of the project, and any concerns and desires have been accommodated from the inception.
“Not only is the project a model of environmental friendliness, it also provides direct benefits to the neighbouring community,” Catterwell said.
The landowner has already started some initial water retention aspects and experimental organic farming, he said.
Catterwell has extensive experience in Thailand, as a former executive of several organisations, including Deutsche Morgan Grenfell in Thailand.
Verlohr said that while land has been acquired, more funds are being secured from the private sector. In parallel, talks with tourism associations as well as local and international universities are underway to secure their cooperation.
Cooperation is a must as the project is aimed at demonstrating how living in harmony with the environment, agriculture, water, culture and history can work. Close to one-fifth of the area is reserved for large lakes or reservoirs and connecting canals, to retain water for the project as well as for farmers in neighbouring areas. The retention area is large enough to hold water in drought years and help Pasak River in times of flooding.
A slightly smaller part of the land will be used for experimental and working organic farms, orchards and gardens. Set in a water environment, they will provide a pleasant and restoring atmosphere, demonstrate environmentally friendly agriculture techniques and yield healthy produce for residents and visitors.
The soil excavated to make the lakes and canals will be used to produce hilly areas, allowing the growth of dense natural vegetation and providing a venue for an exciting adventure park.
Eco-friendly accommodation will be provided for farm workers and those who wish to live or spend time in such an environment. This will include housing units, affordable accommodation for economy visitors as well as a five-star hotel – all certified to international green standards.
Facilities for a variety of traditional medical practices, from both Thailand and elsewhere in the region, will be available, enhanced by modern medical support. A spa and meditation centre will be included.
“The research and education centre is an integral part of the project but the Eco Dome Village is designed to be an Asia-Pacific icon that demonstrates ecological interaction and constitutes an educational resource in a way that attracts both tourists and students,” Verlohr said.

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