Gavriel Jecan > Nam Phong Bouldering, Khon Kaen county, North East Thailand

Rock climbing in Thailand started to be known with its famous Laem Phra Nang peninsula which was the dominating the Thai climbing scene for years. More recently international and local climbers explored the kingdom for new options which together with the rise of sport climbing and bouldering led to the developments of climbing areas near Krabi and Kho Thao and to the central and northern regions of Thailand. Currently Sport Climbing areas include: Buddhachai National Park, Khao Jeen Lair, Khao Khongchai, Khao Kra- Lhoke, Khao Pabet Noi, Khao Yoi, Tham Phra Camp, Wat Tam Khao Boon, Chiang Mai - Crazy Horse Buttress, Sukhothai. The boudering areas include: Sikhiu, Kho Thao and Nam Phong. Besides the outdoor climbing, indoor climbing gyms started to gain popularity few years ago, and several artificial walls were built in Bangkok and Chiang Mai: Bangkok Rock Climbing Club, Hua Maak Stadium, Proclimber Climbing Gym, Rocket, Sports World at Fashion Island, Sports World at Imperial Ladphrao, Sports World at Seri Center, No Gravity -Chiang Mai, The Cave. <br> This indicates the strength of the climbing scene in Thailand suggesting the potential of NamPhong as a major bouldering destination not only for Thailand but for SEA. Considering the ongoing economic development of Khon Kaen city and province - with many companies and workers moving up and more tourists visiting this region – we anticipate that rock climbing and other outdoor activities such as mountain biking, paragliding, kayaking and bird watching, particularly attractive to foreigners, will become popular and will contribute significantly to the sustainable economic development of NamPhong region and the preservation of its natural beauty. As an indicator of the potential attractiveness of NamPhong as a bouldering and overall outdoor destination, approximately 50 visitors from 15 nationalities already contacted us to visit the area and climb. We are in direct collaboration with the Thai Association of Climbing and Chiang Mai Rock Climbing and if the project proposal obtains your approval we plan to organize the first NamPhong international bouldering festival at the beginning of next year. Businesses and climbing associations from Germany, France, SouthKorea and the USA already agreed to sponsor the festival, to advertise the event internationally and to sustain our activity beyond the event. We are also collaborating with an international tourism agency based in Khon Kaen which will enable us to reach a wider range of public not necessarily experienced in rock climbing but curious to be introduced to the activity.