On May 23, following the government's approval through Tourism and Sports Minister Svang Tiengthong, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) is moving forward with the Phu Kradueng cable car project, valued at 1 billion baht, expected to be completed by November 2027.
Khumpong Phumphukhiow, environmental lawyer and leader of the Rak Mueang Loei group, reaffirmed his opposition to the project. As a local of Phu Kradueng and a long-time activist, he argued that economic interests are being prioritized over environmental protection. He emphasized unresolved concerns from the previous EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) conducted in 1992–1993, particularly fire hazards and the risk to infrastructure like cable systems, which were not sufficiently addressed.
Khumpong warned that if a new EIA is launched, his group will closely monitor its scope to ensure it includes impacts on safety, forests, and wildlife. Despite numerous government attempts over decades to push the project, he remains skeptical and plans a press conference and mobilization soon.
Meanwhile, Nattapol Lueangwongpaisan, Chairman of the Loei Chamber of Commerce, fully supports the cable car. He believes it will significantly boost regional tourism and GDP, potentially circulating over 10 billion baht annually. He called for balanced management to minimize ecological impact while improving accessibility for the elderly and disabled.
Nirut Rawaa, a Phu Kradueng porter, voiced concern over the impact on vendors and porters who serve tourists along the hiking trails. While he acknowledged the potential relief in workload, he worried that shops along the trail—still reliant on porters—might suffer economically if supplies are rerouted via cable car. He urged authorities to devise compensation or adaptation measures for affected local businesses.