The New Year holiday has brought tens of thousands of tourists to Khao Kho in Phetchabun Province, creating a bustling atmosphere but also causing significant traffic congestion. Key attractions such as the Khao Kho viewpoint, Amazing Dinosaur Park, Sheep Hill, Windmill Farm, and Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew have been crowded with visitors. Many were drawn to the Khao Kho viewpoint early in the morning to witness the stunning sea of mist, a sight that left a strong impression on tourists.
Provincial Governor Saran Yu Meethongkham and his team visited several attractions, including the Khao Kho viewpoint, to support and encourage staff managing tourist checkpoints. However, due to severe traffic, the governor's team had to adjust their itinerary after a one-kilometer journey took nearly an hour. They eventually rerouted through Nang Rua subdistrict to continue their inspection. Local authorities, led by Khao Kho District Chief Suthep Bia Dee, reported an exceptional influx of visitors, including a notable number of Myanmar workers visiting Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew for religious purposes. Despite efforts to manage traffic, the volume of vehicles exceeded the road capacity, leading to delays.
Thongchai Kritayamongkolchai, President of the Phetchabun Tourism Industry Council, estimated that Khao Kho will welcome approximately 80,000 tourists during the New Year holiday, generating an estimated 400 million baht in revenue from spending on accommodations, dining, and souvenirs. This surge has significantly boosted the local economy, with both public and private attractions experiencing record attendance. Crowds are expected to remain heavy through December 31 and January 1, with authorities continuing to work on easing traffic flow and ensuring a smooth experience for visitors.