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08 September 2002 |
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TOURISM
/ NIGHT SAFARI PROJECT |
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| Call for
public forum to be held |
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| Singapore
team to study feasibility |
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A group of academics and
environmentalists has sent a letter to the Chiang Mai governor
proposing a public forum on the safari project.
The proposed establishment of a night safari park has got the
backing of the prime minister, who wants it to be a tourism
revenue earner for Chiang Mai.
With his backing, the PM's Office issued an order on March 25 to
establish a committee to study the project.
Forestry Department chief Plodprasop Suraswadi serves as
chairman of the panel, which comprises representatives from the
state and private sectors such as the provincial chamber of
commerce and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The committee has hired Bernard Harrison, chief executive of the
Night Safari Wildlife Park in Singapore, and his team to conduct
a feasibility study.
Under the plan, about 2,200 rai of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
in tambon Mae Hia, Muang district and tambon Nong Kwai in Hang
Dong district have been earmarked for the project. The areas
will be divided into two zones: a day zoo covering 1,429 rai and
a night zoo covering 824 rai.
The night safari park would be built in a botanical garden under
the Forestry Department and fruit crop plots in tambon. Mae Hia.
Sources said the committee studying the night safari park would
call a workshop on Sept 10-15 in Chiang Mai. About 30
representatives from tour companies, academics, forestry
officials and zoo officials would be invited.
Sources said the project could be administered by an independent
body or a holding company. Professionals from the private sector
may be hired to manage the night safari park, which will include
shops, a day zoo, bird areas, a cultural show ground,
restaurants and parking lots.
The new site will also house two giant pandas to be loaned to
Thailand by the Chinese government next year.
It is expected the park will draw tourists, particularly from
Europe.
``Thailand has abundant natural resources and biological
diversity. It's time for our country to fully develop our zoos
in a bid to make them the best attractions in Asia,'' said
Chiang Mai forestry chief Pisal Wasuwanit, in his capacity as
chairman of a sub-committee studying the project. |
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