Nation's largest aquarium takes shape in Chonburi

CHONBURI: -- The Institute for Marine Science at Burapha University is building what promises to be Thailand's largest aquarium in the eastern province of Chonburi, hoping to compete with Singapore in offering a world-class underwater experience.

Dr. Phichai Sonchaeng, the institute's director, said yesterday that the new aquarium would hold 5,000 tonnes of water, larger than any other aquarium in Thailand or Singapore.

Currently in the design stage, the building is scheduled for completion at the end of 2005, or the beginning of 2006.

Dr. Phichai said that the new aquarium would help encourage eco-tourism, while also helping develop marine science at a local and national level.

The aquarium will employ the latest technology to showcase marine animals, which visitors will be able to view by walking through underwater transparent tunnels.

The institute is confident that it will not be in direct competition with a number of other aquariums springing up around the country, as it will emphasise research, rather than commercial gain, and because other aquariums will turn to it to purchase their own fish stocks.

--TNA 2004-12-03

Nation's largest aquarium takes shape in Chonburi 

CHONBURI: -- The Institute for Marine Science at Burapha University is building what promises to be Thailand's largest aquarium in the eastern province of Chonburi, hoping to compete with Singapore in offering a world-class underwater experience.

Dr. Phichai Sonchaeng, the institute's director, said yesterday that the new aquarium would hold 5,000 tonnes of water, larger than any other aquarium in Thailand or Singapore.

Hmmm... no mention on the source of funding for this huge project?