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.
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.
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.
