Plan to resume tourism at P.Vihear

[BANGKOK POST]

The governor of Si Sa Ket province says he plans to approach his Cambodian counterpart for talks on reopening the Preah Vihear temple site to tourists, a Thai news report said.

Governor Somsak Suwansucharit said he plans to discuss the matter with the governor of Cambodia's adjoining Preah Vihear province, which encompasses the ancient ruins, the report said.

The only normal tourist access is through Thailand.

Since July 23, Si Sa Ket provincial authorities have allowed tourists to visit the Pha Mor I Daeng cliff, close to the Preah Vihear temple, and Thai tourists are arriving at the cliff observation point to admire the carvings there as well as the twin pagodas on Khao Phra Viharn mountain, he said.

The attractions had been closed for over five months becausder of the border clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops.

Visitors can enter the cliff area, which is part of the Khao Phra Viharn National Park, free of charge for the time being. Their presence is under heavy protection by Thai soldiers.

Visitors must leave their ID cards at the gate of the national park. Motorists must park their vehicles, including motorcycles, at the entrance of the park.

Administrators of Kantharalak district, which directly connects with the disputed area, had talks with officials of the Khao Phra Viharn National Park on Monday afternoon about measures to supervise local operators and attract more visitors to the Pha Mor I Daeng cliff.