PHETCHABUN: Holidaymakers traveling to Phu Thap Boek in Lom Kao district during the New Year are warned to expect inevitable traffic congestion, with the popular mountainside tourist spot likely to attract at least 15,000 people a day.
Local authorities in Phetchabun province are rostering police, medics and volunteers to help both Thai and foreign visitors making the journey during the coming week.
Chief district officer of Lam Kao, Lt Anont Cheulek, advised travellers to be aware of the nature of Phu Thap Boek, as the road is full of sharp corners and adjacent to steep hillsides throughout the route.
“The entire journey, from the start to Phu Thap Boek, is quite dangerous as the sharp turns are coupled with very narrow roads, which makes it difficult for oncoming cars to pass by. Traffic congestion is impossible to avoid, especially when cars try to overtake each other, which creates a deadlock,” Lt Anont said.
Officials from Phetchabun Highway District 1 were planning to use drones to monitor traffic at various checkpoints, and installing LED billboards along the route to keep travellers up to date on road conditions up to Phu Thap Boek.
