Khao Phra Viharn National Park in Si Saket province, was officially reopened last Sunday (01/10/2009), 7 months after being closed down due to border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.

In hope to draw more tourists to the area, the park is offering half price entrance fees for an initial period – 20bht for Thais, 100bht for foreigners.

Visitors to the park, which occupies both the Kantharalak district in Si Saket, Thailand, and the Cambodian province of Preah Vihear, used to be able to explore the ancient Khmer ruins of Preah Vihear, or Khao Phra Viharn in Thai, but the temple still remains closed.

For now, tourists will have to enjoy the view of Khao Phra Viharn from the famous Pha Mor E-Daeng cliff.

Kalayani Thammajari, chairwoman of the Si Saket tourism association, said:

"It is such a delight now that the national park is to reopen..We are ready for tourists as we have waited for months for this."

Lt-Gen Wibulsak Neepal, commander of the Second Army, hopes that the reopening of the park may not only bring economic benefits to area, but may also alleviate military tension.

He said the atmosphere following the reopening of the Khao Phra Viharn national park should encourage Cambodia to open the doors to its mountaintop temple once more.