Recent unexpected footfalls at the Si Thep Historical Park in Phetchabun province have set alarm bells ringing for local agencies, who implore the government to enhance infrastructure facilities. The sudden spike in visiting numbers followed Unesco’s announcement classifying the park as a World Heritage Site on September 19.
Sittichai Poodee, the director of Si Thep Historical Park, reported a record-breaking number of over 5,000 visitors on a single day, with almost the same amount of tourists swarming to Khao Klang Nok, a historical staple neighboring the park. Collectively, both the sites witnessed an overwhelming influx of around 20,000 tourists over the weekend, a figure that significantly exceeds the expectations made by park officials.
In order to address this tourism explosion, Mr. Sittichai has requested supplemental resources from local government bodies, such as additional public bathrooms and the installation of a tourist center. He also confessed to discussing plans with local agencies to arrange traditional performances within the park on weekends and holidays as an enticing means to welcome visitors.
The popular Si Thep Historical Park Facebook page posted an update on Sunday informing their followers that the two parking lots were brimming with vehicles, a testament to the record numbers of visitors. This unexpected surge was also acknowledged by a Facebook user who posted a picture of a bustling historical park on the Si Thep community’s Facebook group.
According to the user, the lack of efficient management within the park has caused a delay in growth for micro-businesses who primarily profit from the tourism sector. He proposed a solution to this problem by advocating for a well-organized tourist center that caters to the needs of both Thai and foreign tourists.
The idea also included a proposal to collaborate with local entrepreneurs to establish retail or food outlets within the park premises. He stressed the importance of incorporating local tour guides who could aid in navigating the vast expanse of the park, adding a personal and cultural touch to the tourist’s experience.
The user further suggested the development of a structured waste management system to handle the enormous quantities of waste expected during such a tourism boom. Emphasizing sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, the user proposed the necessity of a dedicated business and accommodation area outside the historical park which could help to foster the local community’s growth.
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