The government has dusted off the controversial 4.4-km Phu Kradueng cable car project, initiated more than 30 years ago, claiming there will be little environmental impact during its construction and that it has overwhelming support from locals.
The move came amid strong opposition from environmentalists.
The cabinet acknowledged the results of the study, prepared by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta), for the project's construction worth 633 million baht on Tuesday. The study cited strong support from locals and a restricted impact on the pristine Phu Kradueng National Park in backing the project in Loei province, according to government sources.
Amid a debate to make the mountainous attraction easily accessible for tourists and a need to control their numbers and maintain natural trekking, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha asked authorities in the meeting to "carefully consider this project" and make sure it is based on the "real needs" of the people.
His cabinet is waiting for the National Environmental Board's consideration of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted to seek approval for the construction, which will see seven poles planted along 3.7km of ropeway up to the mountain and two cable car stations built on parts of watershed areas.
The cable car project was first proposed in 1982 by Phu Kradueng National Park and relevant agencies have continuously pushed for it but it has never materialised largely due to opposition from environmentalists.
A worry is one cable car station, to be situated about 600 metres off the Lang Pae rest area, in a "first-class watershed type A", which must be strictly preserved as a water source because it is prone to changes which can bring on severe environmental impacts, according to the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department.
However, the study says the construction requires an area totaling only 0.22 rai for building seven poles and about 3 rai for the two stations requiring minimal areas of land, and thus having very little impact.
The other station, to be built about 3.5km away from the Si Than tourist service centre, is in a "fourth-class watershed" which has less forest area.
These arguments, which are among the environmental issues in the EIA, as well as questions and concerns from all parties must be clarified by Dasta, according to the cabinet.
If the EIA is approved, the construction can start. "But if it is denied, let it be so," said Deputy Prime Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn, who oversees tourism affairs.
Gen Tanasak is confident about the project. Ecologically, a new construction method can avoid cutting down large trees and clearing large forest areas. A helicopter would carry poles to the mountain and drop them on their targeted spots, he said.
"Local villagers agree with the project and their voices account for 99.99%," Gen Tanasak claimed. "There was only one organisation which disagrees but it has never joined the meetings."
The park will lose only one rai of forest area in total, which is nothing compared with the range of advantages, Gen Tanasak said.
The multi-million-baht project will generate jobs among the people of Loei and once it is completed, it can attract visitors from neighbouring provinces and countries creating a safe atmosphere as cable cars can quickly help people in the event of any accidents, he said. He played down a worry over environmental degradation, reasoning that improved transport would allow "officials to easily make daily inspections".
Dasta hired experts from Chulalongkorn University and private companies to look into various issues surrounding the project. Three public hearings were also held and villagers' opinions are among key reasons driving the project.
The Seub Nakhasathien Foundation's secretary-general, Panudet Kerdmali, insisted Thursday on the group's stance against the project, saying it goes against the spirit of trekking and raised concerns over a greater influx of tourists.
It is ironic that Phu Kradueng National Park introduced the project, Mr Panudet said, as the 50-year-long intent of park officials is to maintain the mountain by allowing trekkers to explore and appreciate its nature and beauty by hiking to the top of Phu Kradueng by foot.