JUN 06, 2002

BANGKOK - Thailand is planning to run night safaris in its Doi Suthep-Pui National Park and will import more animals to add to its attractions.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has given the go-ahead for the project planned to be developed in the Mae Hia village district.

Operators of the Singapore Night Safari have been asked to share their experience and to conduct feasibility studies in the area under consideration.

Former Forestry Department chief Plodprasop Surasawadee is to oversee the project and has established a committee to coordinate its progress.

Dr Bernard Bernard and his team of experts from Singapore will be in Chiang Mai province in early August to inspect the proposed area.

A total investment of US$600 million (S$1.1 billion) was pumped into the Night Safari in Singapore but a similar tourist attraction in Thailand would cost less because the area is owned by the government.

A private company, however, will be selected to manage the operation.

The government has held discussions with Pin Kiewpaisal, the owner of Safari World and Phuket Fantasea, to invest in the night-safari project but a deal has yet to be reached.

Negotiations are also continuing into the possibility of moving Chiang Mai Zoo to be part of the project and to import more foreign animals.

Mr Thanawat Jodjai, head of the Tambon Administration Organisation at Mae Hia, said that the consensus among local community leaders was positive.

However, up to 70 households have to be moved out and compensation paid as none of the householders holds legal rights to the properties.

The night-safari project was proposed by the owners of Snow Land, who also want to build a ski resort in the northern Thai province.

The Singapore Night Safari has proven a success and is one of the main tourist attractions of the island state, so the Thai team is hoping to draw upon the experience of their Singaporean counterparts.--The Nation/AsiaNews Network  
 

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