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Published on August 13, 2007

However, the Chiang Mai Night Safari will remain open for the time being, said members of a forum held last week to discuss the future of all three projects.

The forum was hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Social Development and Human Security Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham, who admitted that the Night Safari and the pending projects had created conflict and consternation amongst Chiang Mai residents.

He added that a Special Zone Development (Public) Organisation for Sustainable Tourism had been created to provide participation from all sectors involved in the present and future projects, in order to benefit all concerned.

While the long-term future of the Night Safari is uncertain, Paiboon said it would be difficult to close it down at this time, but improvements and some changes were justified.

He hopes that these changes will satisfy all parties who have objected to the tourist attraction in the past.

The management of the Night Safari will be transferred to the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, and there is a possibility that an advisory committee made up of local residents will be created in order to involve the community in the initiative.

The Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, which covers 160,000 rai of land - including the distinctive Phra Thad Doi Suthep Temple, overlooking the city of Chiang Mai - has been consistently eroded over the years by various governmental and private organisations, and is under threat by the continued development proposals.

The park contains more orchid, bird and butterfly species than Kao Yai National Park, which is eight times its size. It is home to more than 350 species of birds (Europe has 700 species) and 320 new species of plants and 200 new species of animals have been discovered in the area to date.

The halt of any more man-made projects that would affect this Chiang Mai treasure trove would be warmly welcomed by Chiang Mai residents and environmentalists.

Jirat Prasertsup

Citylife

CHIANG MAI