May 7, 2025
BANGKOK – The Phu Chi Fa National Park has announced the indefinite closure of its iconic Pointed Cliff main viewpoint due to recent fighting along the Thai-Lao border, with stray bullets reportedly landing on the Thai side.
Park Authorities Close Main Viewpoint Amid Border Tensions
Thanitpong Ratanapol, Chief of Phu Chi Fa National Park, issued a statement on Monday confirming the closure. The decision follows an urgent warning from the Wiang Kaen District Office, advising heightened vigilance after stray bullets were detected during clashes on the Lao side of the border.
Stray Bullets Land on Thai Territory
According to the warning issued on Sunday, there were confirmed reports of fighting in Laos at 10:00 am on 3 May and 6:30 pm on 4 May. Village heads from Moo 14 and Moo 15 in Tambon Por reported hearing sporadic gunfire. One house sustained damage after being struck by a stray bullet.
Location and National Park Status
Phu Chi Fa is currently undergoing an upgrade from a forest park to national park status, pending official royal gazetting. The park spans across Tambon Por in Wiang Kaen District and Tambon Tubtao in Thoeng District, both located in Chiang Rai Province.