Residents of Loei province are actively campaigning for the advancement of a long-considered cable car project at Phu Kradueng National Park, a destination popular among local tourists.

The initiative has garnered substantial backing from the local community, business groups, and tourism advocates.

Kunawut Budaduang, the chairman of the committee advocating for the cable car, reported that residents, alongside the Loei Provincial Merchant Association, have placed numerous banners throughout the province urging the government to prioritize this development.

Mr. Budaduang emphasized the unity among the community regarding their appeal for action, stating, "The push for a cable car has been ongoing for many years." The concept of constructing a cable car system was initially introduced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who, upon visiting Phu Kradueng National Park, expressed surprise that Thailand had not yet developed such a system to improve both tourism and accessibility, in contrast to countries like Malaysia and Singapore.

During Yingluck Shinawatra's premiership, the proposal gained further attention as she also showed interest in the project and committed to exploring its feasibility.

Despite this, progress has stalled, with various officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, unable to advance the project adequately.

Mr. Budaduang criticized the current government under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for a perceived lack of coordination among relevant agencies, indicating that responsibility for the initiative has been unclear and widely dispersed.

Currently, he called for direct instruction from Prime Minister Paetongtarn to the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) to facilitate the project's progression.

"It’s time for a final decision," he remarked, reflecting the community's urgency.

Local support for the cable car project is reportedly robust, with Mr. Budaduang asserting that over 90% of the residents favor the development.

He also invited Thaksin Shinawatra to revisit the park and express his support for the initiative once again to help push it closer to realization.

From the government's perspective, Chuwit Mitrchob, deputy director of Dasta, stated that progress is underway.

He noted that Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong has tasked Dasta’s board with accelerating efforts related to the cable car project.

An environmental impact assessment is currently in progress.

Additionally, a budget allocation of 28 million baht has been approved under the Srettha Thavisin administration and is pending review by the Budget Bureau to support the project's design phase.

Upon approval, the processes for conducting a feasibility study and detailed design are expected to commence, projected to take about six months to complete.

Mr. Mitrchob confirmed, "The minister assigned Dasta as the central coordinating agency two weeks ago.

With this, we are moving closer to making this project a reality, and construction is expected to begin soon."