The Ministry of Tourism and Sports today announced a big project to build cable cars for tourists who want to go up the mountain on Phu Kradueng National Park, a popular attraction for Thais to visit in winter.
Deputy Prime Minister Thanasak Patimapragorn said he believes the cable cars will bring more visitors, resulting in more revenue and employment for the Loei province.
Currently, cars are not allowed on the hiking track. In order to enjoy the scenery on the mountain, visitors must hike for an approximate 5.5 kilometers.
Thanasak added the cable cars will also be useful in case of emergency, such as transporting injured visitors.
The THB600 million project has been submitted to the Environmental Impact Evaluation Bureau for approval as Thanasak claimed the construction does not require cutting any trees.
If approved, the cable cars will take two to three years to build, Post Today reported.
While Thanasak claimed 99 percent of locals and businesses are in favor of the project, Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, an organization which works to preserve nature and wildlife, today announced its objection to the project, claiming that increasing the numbers of visitors would disturb wildlife on the mountain.
It also commented that hiking is a way for humans to learn more about nature and that cable cars will devalue the experience.
