CONSERVATION
What Price Progress?
The mayor of a little town in Isan is hoping enough lessons have been learned from the excesses of Phuket and Pai to prevent another disaster in the making
- Published: 17/01/2011 at 08:56 AM
- Newspaper section: Life
Kamol Kongpin should be the proudest man in Chiang Khan in Loei province, a quaint little settlement on the banks of the Mekong in the upper Northeast. For the 52-year-old mayor was the leading light behind the town's highly successful celebration of its centenary back in December 2009.
News of the event - spread by adverts, the internet and word of mouth - has slowly been transforming a sleepy river port, which had done precious little business since Laos went communist in 1975, into a burgeoning tourist mecca. The place has seen a huge influx of visitors in the past 12 months and now is even being touted as a rival to Pai, that much-hyped destination in Mae Hong Son province.
In the wake of the anniversary bash, tourists, mostly from Bangkok, hurried to Chiang Khan to experience its simple charm, picturesque shophouses and, above all, the company of its lovely, helpful residents. Guesthouse and resorts there, particularly on weekends and national holidays, have been fully booked from November last year right up to the end of this month, according to Mayor Kamol.
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About the author
- Writer: Anchalee Kongrut
- Position: News Reporter
