Tourists gather near Bali
Hai. Part of the Pratamnak Hill area that officials hope to turn into a
huge eco-tourism attraction is seen in the background.
Jetsada Homklin
Pattaya is considering turning a large section of Pratamnak Hill
into an ecological tourist attraction with parks, bike routes, and
scenic viewing areas.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome presided over the first of likely many hearings
on the “Thappraya Royal Park” project Nov. 11 at the Season Hotel
Pattaya. The project will be debated in a series of meetings and, if
approved, would start development in 2016.
Kanchit Phuboonlab, project manager for Feel Green Design Co, which has
been hired by the city to write the feasibility study, said Pratamnak
Hill, with its green acreage and natural viewpoints, is an ideal place
to develop into a park attraction. However, he said, access to the prime
areas has always been the problem.
The city, he said, is a well-developed tourist resort, but has only one
real green area in the entire city: Pratamnak Hill. Undeveloped land
there covers both mounts in the area and over 285 rai, including the
area near the Tourist Police station that has already been converted
into a park.
“Thappraya Royal Park” would feature tram tracks, cycling routes,
walking and wheelchair paths and viewpoints to overlook the city and
bay.
Feel Green Design Co will develop studies on costs, benefits and
environmental impact. The public will be given several chances to offer
input at public hearings. If approved, the city will seek funds from the
national government to develop the eco-tourism attraction.
