As sunlight danced over the sprawling greens of Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province, whispers of change echoed across its untouched terrains. The catalyst for such buzz, surprisingly, was not the rustle of leaves or the chatter of exotic birds, but the very modern concept of a cable car project. This proposal, like a contentious cable dangling through time, continues to spark fervent debate, swinging between promises of advancement and fears of environmental exploitation.
Recently, the spotlight on this initiative intensified when the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation gave the green light to extend the cable car proposal’s feasibility study. In tandem, the Budget Bureau’s substantial 25.7 million baht allocation empowered the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) to refine the project’s design. Initially conceived in 1982, this ambitious venture has endured a rigorous journey of ups and downs, much like the park’s own fluctuating terrain.
Back in 2004, under the stewardship of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a fine-toothed examination of the proposal was spearheaded by DASTA. It was like putting the idea under a magnifying glass to unearth potential routes and critical recommendations fit for a Cabinet audience. Fast forward to 2012, the project was thrust back into the public arena, only to stall amid qualms from environmentalists who feared the toll of overtourism on the park’s fragile ecosystem.
Enter 2023, and a renewed momentum brick-paved its way under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, weaving the cable car into a broader strategy for sustainable tourism. Such governmental zeal has stirred both excitement and skepticism, much like a fireworks display that captivates but also leaves a lingering haze.
Taking the reins in 2025, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra carried forward this contentious torch by conferring an additional 25.7 million baht to propel the study and design phase into overdrive. On May 5, Attapol Charoenchansa, director-general of the DNP, confirmed the cable car remained in the study-phase corridors, awaiting approval. He painted a picture of the park’s financial woes, highlighting a stark disparity between its substantial management budget and the comparatively modest revenue of 13.7 million baht garnered from 66,943 visitors during fiscal year 2024.
Attapol floated the idea of expanded revenue streams, with the cable car concept casting a hopeful shadow. Drawing inspiration from European architectural ingenuity, particularly from nations such as Switzerland and Germany, he suggested that modern construction could mold itself to Mother Nature without imposing on her. The proposed station at Pha Mak Dook cliff, though diverging from the main trailhead, promises a mere 3-kilometer reach, heralding a more relaxed ascent while sparing the heart-stopping climb famed among nature enthusiasts.
Designated an ASEAN Heritage Park in October 2023, Phu Kradueng flaunts a picturesque mesa landscape, a botanical breadbasket cherished among plant aficionados. Yet, environmentalists raise the clarion call, cautioning that a cable car may deter from the grassy path, irrevocably altering the sanctity of the renowned 4.4-kilometer hiking trail to the summit.
A further layer of complexity comes with the DNP’s vision to transform a 10-kilometre-radius around the park into a hub of accessibility enhancements. Picture smoother roads, a fleet of shuttle buses, educational paragons, and a symphony of visitor facilities. Officials serenade this as a boon for day-trippers, providing the park with much-needed breathing space from the limited confines of overnight accommodations.
Encouraging signs show public dissent waning, with local residents warming up to the shimmering prospect of tourist-driven prosperity. Despite this shift, ardent conservationists remain grounded in skepticism. They question whether the cable car will indeed pan out as a treasure, or if it holds the potential to unravel the park’s natural tapestry.
Furthermore, analysts cast wary glances on the hefty 1-billion baht price tag dangling at the project’s end. Questions echo in financial corridors — will the payoff outweigh the substantial investment, or could this cable wonder risk becoming a daunting liability, saddled with prolonged repayment and hefty upkeep costs?
The Phu Kradueng cable car saga continues to unravel as a complex tapestry of ambition and caution. Only time will tell whether this venture will soar as a beacon of sustainable tourism innovation or succumb to the critics’ cries of caution — another tale in the delicate balance between progress and preservation.
Phu Kradueng is a natural gem that needs to be preserved! A cable car will destroy the untouched beauty of the place.
But a cable car can make the beauty accessible to everyone, including those who can’t hike!
Tourism shouldn’t come at the cost of the environment. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
Maybe there’s a middle ground. We can have both, right?
A billion baht is a crazy amount! Is anyone considering the financial risks here?
I think if done right, the economic returns can outweigh the costs. More tourists mean more income.
But what if it turns into a money pit? We’ve seen projects like this flop before.
We need more data! Show me environmental impact studies before deciding anything.
Absolutely! Science should lead such decisions, not just profits and politics.
I couldn’t agree more. It’s shocking how often the environmental concerns are ignored.
As a local, I’m warming up to the idea. It could really boost our economy!
But it could also ruin your way of life. Tourism isn’t always the answer.
True, but without change, there’s no progress. We need to adapt.
This is just another example of big money talking. Real conservation isn’t their priority.
Come on now, times are changing. The park can evolve and still stay beautiful.
That’s an idealistic view, my friend. Let’s hope you’re right.
I love hiking Phu Kradueng! A cable car would ruin the challenge and reward of the trek.
Totally, the hike is the best part! Don’t take away what makes Phu Kradueng special.
Glad someone agrees! Experiences like that are hard to come by these days.
Think of the technology it’ll bring! This is a chance for innovation.
Yet, tech should enhance, not exploit. What’s the trade-off?
It’s about time Thailand steps up its tourism game. Other countries have already done it!
Perhaps preserving our roots will guide our future better than modern advancements.
Why are we so focused on money here?! Nature is priceless.
If they do this, what measures will be in place to ensure protection of wildlife?
There’s supposed to be sustainability plans, but the details are vague.
Looking forward to skiing and rock climbing access, maybe they can expand on that too.
I hope the dark skies won’t be affected by this. Stargazing there is like nowhere else.
More tourists means more people, more trash, and more noise. Not keen on that!
True, but with proper management, it could be kept under control.
We can’t just live in the past. Development is inevitable and can be done responsibly.
Exactly, it’s all about finding the right balance!