Tourism/ Preah Vihear temple

Chatrudee Theparat

Tourism revenue in Si Sa Ket province may double if access to Preah Vihear temple for tourism purpose is unlocked.

Reopening access to Preah Vihear temple from the temporary locked checkpoint for tourism purpose at present will help offer better opportunities for Si Sa Ket tourism, possibly leading to double its tourism revenue.

Si Sa Ket’s Chamber of Commerce projected tourism revenue may double from one billion baht in 2023 if Thailand and Cambodia agree to reopen the temporary checkpoint to allow tourists to visit Preah Vihear temple. The number of visitors is likely to double to 300,000-400,000 annually, from 180,000 in 2023.

Traisuree Taisaranakul, secretary to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul

Traisuree Taisaranakul, secretary to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, said the minister has authorized related agencies of the ministry to pay attention to develop tourism industry in the Si Sa Ket, especially reopening access of the temporary checkpoint to Preah Vihear temple for tourism in Kantharalak district.

The temporary checkpoint had been closed since June 2008, due to territorial dispute over the area.

She said Mr Anutin, who visited Si Sa Ket on March 8, authorized deputy interior minister Chada Thaiset to meet related agencies in Kantharalak district to discuss issues to seek for solutions in the reopening of the temporary checkpoint.

Si Sa Ket’s governor Anuphong Suksomnit

Si Sa Ket’s governor Anuphong Suksomnit said the public, private sector and civil society are strongly ready to reopen the temporary checkpoint for tourism purposes after a series of talks among related agencies has been launched so far.

“Currently, the public, private sector and civil society are just waiting for the decision between the two governments. Infrastructure and tourism facilities have already been prepared.”

He said road development, custom procedures and lodgings have been prepared, especially hotels which have been developed after the province has promoted lava durian and sports as tourism destination, leading to grow the number of visitors.

“Relations with local neighboring country is quite good due to sports participation held between two countries and the medical assistance and knowledge-sharing and information collaboration.”

Pha Mor E Dang, located in Khao Phra Wihan National Park, close to the entrance to the Preah Vihear temple

Mr Anuphong said not only intra-tourism promotion, the reopening of the temporary checkpoint also can assist to solve poverty in the provinces. The province plans to launch events this year with an event in each district in order to boost tourism.

He said the uniqueness of the province is shown with cultural diversity because Si Sa Ket has many ethnic tribes, including Suay, Lao, Khmer and Yer that have settled in the province over centuries, and also known the land of lava durian.