Illegal Resort Demolished, Area Reopens as Tourist Viewpoint
Thailand's Environment Minister has ordered development of a razed illegal resort in Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi, into an eco-tourism viewpoint offering 360-degree vistas of the Srinakarin Dam and surrounding mountains.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants to accelerate rehabilitation of the area following the demolition of the illegal forest-encroaching "Rai Rak Fah" resort within Erawan National Park in Sri Sawat District, Kanchanaburi Province. The site will be developed as an eco-tourism destination allowing public access to nature, with all work conducted strictly according to national park regulations.
Following enforcement action against the resort for illegally occupying protected parkland, Suchart instructed the department to expedite landscape improvements and enhance tourist safety standards. He emphasized that all development steps must comply with laws and national park procedures to ensure proper and sustainable results.
Suchart stated the area has high tourism potential and will be developed into "Erawan Nakhonrinchit Viewpoint," one of the most beautiful scenic overlooks. Visitors will enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Srinagarinda Dam encircled by verdant mountains, along with morning mist atmospherics and golden sunset light.
The minister stressed the development will balance tourism with conservation, avoiding large permanent structures that disturb nature. Instead, it will employ environmentally-friendly landscaping materials consistent with the original forest, with clearly defined use areas to prevent ecosystem damage. This will allow the reclaimed forest to fully restore its watershed and wildlife habitat functions.
Public access will operate under strict safety protocols, including an information center staffed continuously for visitor guidance, increased park ranger patrols coordinated with local police, designated nature study trails and safe photography points, and clear warning signs to prevent accidents and visitor mishaps.
"Converting an encroached area into a natural tourism destination must be done carefully according to procedures so the public can trust this is a safe, orderly, and sustainably beautiful space for everyone," Suchart concluded.
