More than 1,000 visitors turned up on the first day of the reopening of Prasat Ta Kwai and Hill 350 in Surin on Saturday, exceeding the daily target as tourists flocked to the border tourism site.
The reopening marked the first day of renewed public access to the historical attraction after it was previously opened during the Songkran holiday and received a strong response.
Tourists began arriving in the morning to confirm registrations at a service point at Ban Thai Santisuk School in Bak Dai subdistrict of Phanom Dong Rak district before travelling to the site.
Visitors are required to park at the school and board the shuttle pickup trucks arranged by authorities.
The chief of the Bak Dai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation said the site had initially capped visits to Prasat Ta Kwai and Hill 350 at 1,000 people per day. However, registrations -- at the site and online -- had already exceeded the target, reaching about 1,200–1,300 visitors as of noon Saturday.
Authorities said efforts would be made to accommodate as many visitors as possible to avoid disappointment among those who had already travelled to the site, while safety assessments would continue.
Visitors travelled from both nearby and distant provinces, including Bangkok, to experience the attraction.
The trial tourism route to Prasat Ta Kwai and Hill 350 opened this weekend and will run again next Saturday and Sunday.
The 2.9-kilometre route features seven historical and cultural learning points, including the Protector of Thailand Monument, Phra Phuttha Metta statue, Prasat Ta Kwai, Hill 350 and statues commemorating Sergeant Roeng, Nong Wun and Sergeant Anothai.
Organised by Surin province in cooperation with the 2nd Army Area and the Bak Dai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, the activity aims to promote historical learning, appreciation of nature and remembrance of those who protected Thailand's territory.
Regulations prohibit live streaming and climbing, while photography is allowed only at designated points.
Meanwhile, Cambodia's Ministry of Culture said it opposed the tourism activity at Prasat Ta Kwai, adding it violated sovereignty and damaged cultural heritage.
