Pham Oei Daeng Reopens After Border Conflict Closure
Pham Oei Daeng in Si Sa Ket Province welcomed tourists again on October 17, 2026 after being closed for over a year due to Thai‑Cambodia border clashes. More than 800 visitors arrived on the first trial day, exceeding the daily limit, to enjoy the misty mountain scenery and local cultural performances. Officials say the reopening is a key move to revive border tourism, with possible daily access if the situation stays calm.
On the first trial day, more than 800 tourists registered, exceeding the daily limit of 700, as they arrived early to experience the natural beauty of Pham Oei Daeng, including sea‑forest vistas, layered mountains, and thin morning mist. Highlights such as the Hug Plaza, Embrace Plaza, and Don Tran Temple excited visitors who had not been able to enjoy the scenery for many years. Access involves a short 30‑metre walk from the parking area to viewpoint spots that are especially striking at sunrise. In Phumichol Village, Sao Thong Chai Subdistrict, Kantaralak District, park officials worked with the Border Patrol Police, the Suranaree Task Force, and the Kantaralak District Office to set up registration and information points to keep the flow orderly. Despite the cap, the strong turnout reflected public enthusiasm to revisit the site after the border tension subsided. A tourist from Ubon Ratchathani, Praphatsara, said she brought her mother to experience the views for the first time and felt impressed by the landscape. Kantaralak District Officer Petty Officer Somkhon Singhkham noted that local ethnic groups performed traditional dances at Don Tran Temple and offered local snacks such as sa‑wang sweets, grilled rice sticks, and grilled sticky rice, along with drinking water, to welcome guests. He invited the public to visit, explaining that the trial opening would initially be limited to Saturdays and Sundays, with possible daily access from 06:00 to 16:30 if conditions remain stable, allowing tourists to enjoy the morning mist and fully appreciate Pham Oei Daeng’s beauty. The reopening marks an important step in revitalising border tourism in Si Sa Ket after the disruption caused by the unrest.
