The "Natural Spring" tourist site in Khao Yai will be closed starting from 8 June 2026 GMT+7, with a planned two-year construction period and a budget of 44 million baht to improve its appearance.
On 23 May 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that Mr. Somkiat Payakkul, Mayor of Moosi Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, announced the closure of the Natural Spring tourist site at Ban Tha Chang Nuea, Village No. 16, Moosi Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima. This spring is under the care of the Moosi Municipality and will be renovated to enhance its appeal, with a scheduled duration of 660 days, or nearly two years.
Meanwhile, the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Public Works and Town Planning Office has surveyed and designed a development project for Moosi Subdistrict, including construction and renovation of the natural spring at Ban Tha Chang Nuea. This natural tourism site features water flowing continuously from underground, with clear blue water. It attracts about 2 million domestic and international tourists annually.
Additionally, the Ban Tha Chang community enterprise promotes tourism to generate income, offering kayak rentals and selling OTOP products. The Public Works and Town Planning Office of Nakhon Ratchasima has issued a contract for construction under the project with a budget of 44,540,000 baht. The site will be closed from 8 June 2026 GMT+7, with the construction period set to be completed in 660 days, or about two years.
Mr. Watcharakorn Namsithan, President of the Khao Yai Nature and Environment Conservation Association, said he agrees that improving the natural spring area is positive. However, the construction is a major project lasting two years. He questioned the construction details, noting that the current area has many large trees and the Lam Takhong stream flowing from Khao Yai National Park to the Lam Takhong Dam nearby, which is home to pangolin species. He expressed concerns that the project could affect the water flow, ecosystem, and surrounding environment.
Meanwhile, Phra Athikan Kampanat Sukhethito, abbot of Moosi Temple and chairman of the Khao Yai Wildlife and Environment Conservation Group, said the group is worried about the construction design. They fear it might impact the environment and existing ecosystem, including the geological structure and the natural spring that flows clean and clear from beneath the mountain year-round. Construction details remain unclear, and partners in conservation, tourism, and local residents are concerned about potential effects on nature, ecosystems, and water during the lengthy two-year renovation.