Si Thep Historical Park in Phetchabun has become a popular tourist spot following its UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition, with daily visitors increasing from 300 to 7,000. However, the sudden influx has resulted in complaints about insufficient facilities, prompting the governor to discuss potential solutions with Ministry of Culture officials. #SiThepHistoricalPark #PhetchabunProvince #UNESCOWorldHeritage #Travel #Tourism
Sudden Spike in Tourism
Phetchabun province faces an urgent need for action in response to the dramatic increase of visitors at Si Thep Historical Park. The park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on September 19, and the number of daily visitors has risen from 300 to around 7,000. Deputy Governor Chatchaval Benchasiriwong believes that the province was unprepared for this sudden surge in tourism.
A Lack of Preparedness
According to Chatchaval Benchasiriwong, Phetchabun should have implemented measures to manage the park more effectively after it was added to a tentative UNESCO list in 2019. There have been numerous complaints from visitors regarding a lack of facilities, such as parking spaces, food, nearby accommodation, and toilets. In response, the governor has been instructed to provide mobile toilets.
Discussions and Solutions
Provincial executive committees have met recently to address the situation, and the governor is expected to discuss solutions with executives and senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, which oversees the historic park. Si Thep Historical Park is spread over 866.451 hectares in Si Thep district and features three cultural sites from the Dvaravati period, which lasted from the 6th to the 11th century.
Safety Concerns and Preventing Damage
As a result of the site’s newfound popularity, approximately 30,000 visitors climbed the Khao Klang Nok ruins during a recent weekend. Citing safety concerns, the Fine Arts Department (FAD) announced a temporary closure of the ancient monument. Visitors are now only permitted to take photos around its base.
Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich has expressed concern for both tourist safety and the potential damage to the historical site. He has instructed the FAD to work closely with Phetchabun and local authorities to improve site management and ensure the preservation of Si Thep Historical Park for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What has caused the sudden increase in daily visitors at Si Thep Historical Park?
The recent designation of Si Thep Historical Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has led to a dramatic increase in daily visitors, from 300 to around 7,000, as more tourists are now drawn to the park due to its recognition.
2. What are the main complaints from visitors regarding the park’s facilities?
Visitors to Si Thep Historical Park have complained about a lack of facilities such as parking spaces, food, nearby accommodation, and toilets. In response to these complaints, the governor has been instructed to provide mobile toilets.
3. What measures are being taken to address the safety concerns and potential damage to the historical site?
Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich has instructed the Fine Arts Department (FAD) to work closely with Phetchabun and local authorities to improve site management and ensure the preservation of Si Thep Historical Park for future generations. Additionally, the Khao Klang Nok ruins have been temporarily closed, with visitors now only permitted to take photos around its base due to safety concerns.
