Tourist Overload in Si Thep: A Call for Urgent Infrastructure

via various sources: 24 September 2023: Oh no! Who could have foreseen this? Phetchabun President of the provincial cultural Council Wison Kositanont (note: the Nation article incorrectly misidentifies him as the provincial governor) and other experts express concerns over Si Thep’s lack of infrastructure and potential for artifact looting following its UNESCO World Heritage Site listing.

“It’s truly unfortunate that the local community couldn’t catch up in time, resulting in no facilities or services to benefit from the significant influx of tourists,” Phetchabun Governor Wison Kositanont wrote on Facebook.

Wison was one of the key figures who pushed for Sri Thep’s addition to the heritage site list.

Visitors are flocking to Sri Thep for holidays, and it is likely that this trend will continue, he said, adding: “This is one of the reasons why Phetchabun province urgently needs to establish a community-driven tourist service centre.”

Source: Unesco listing sparks surge of tourists to Sri Thep

See also:

• ‘Tourist overload’ at Si Thep | Bangkok Post, 21 Sep 2023
• Touristen strömen nach Sri Thep | Der Farang, 24 Sep 2023
• Si Thep’s designation as a UNESCO heritage site raises capacity concerns | TTG Asia, 25 Sep 2023