Surasak, Minister of Tourism and Sports, visited Sisaket to promote Wat Prasat Phu Phai as a cultural and spiritual landmark, highlighting a skywalk project on the rim of an ancient volcano crater to make the city an attractive tourist destination focused on spreading income to local communities.
On 6 August 2026, Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, along with senior executives from the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), conducted an inspection at Wat Prasat Phu Phai in Khun Han District, Sisaket Province. They discussed and laid the conceptual groundwork to elevate the ancient site on the rim of an extinct volcano into a nationally recognized cultural and spiritual tourism destination, preparing to establish a new landmark to generate economic circulation benefiting grassroots communities.
During this visit, they were graciously welcomed by Phra Palad Therd Phumipalo, abbot of Wat Prasat Phu Phai, together with the Governor of Sisaket Province, members of parliament, local leaders, and community members. The discussions focused on three main development strategies:
1. Establish a high-value cultural and spiritual tourism landmark.
The Minister of Tourism and Sports revealed that this visit supports the government’s “10 Plus” policy, especially the “Community Plus” dimension, aiming to shift tourism from a volume-based to a high-value model (Value over Volume).
The ministry plans to leverage the outstanding potential of the ancient Khmer temple, over a thousand years old, standing atop the extinct volcano, combined with the sacred Phu Phai Buddha’s Footprint, to create a key selling point on the cultural and spiritual tourism route. This aims to attract affluent tourists seeking meaningful spiritual experiences to visit Sisaket more frequently.
2. Propose a "Skywalk" project above the volcano crater.
To create international appeal, the ministry plans to study the feasibility of constructing a skywalk viewpoint atop Phu Phai, which would become a new highlight allowing tourists to enjoy 360-degree views of the ancient volcano crater and the lush natural forest. This project is expected to be a major draw, transforming Sisaket from a secondary city into a must-visit destination.
3. Connect the Lower Northeastern tourism route to sustainably distribute income to communities.
The ultimate goal is to ensure tourism revenue reaches local residents. The ministry plans to integrate tourism routes linking the lower northeastern provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, and Sisaket to encourage connected travel and longer stays. This will directly benefit the Ban Phu Phai community through restaurants, accommodations, homestays, and local products, strengthening the grassroots economy sustainably.
After the discussions, Surasak and his team walked to survey the area proposed for the skywalk viewpoint construction and visited the surrounding ancient sites. He concluded by emphasizing:
“The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is fully prepared to provide support in terms of budget, personnel, and expertise to improve infrastructure and transportation. We will push to make Wat Prasat Phu Phai a valuable destination in historical, religious, and natural dimensions that will bring pride and sustainable income to the people of Sisaket in the future.”
