Canadian seeks support for B900mn Phuket aquarium project

Mr McDaniel presented plans for the aquarium to Gov Tri today.

PHUKET: -- A Canadian expat is seeking support from the Phuket Provincial Office for his plan to develop a 900-million-baht aquarium in Rawai.

Accompanied by Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos, businessman Daniel McDaniel today presented his proposal to Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha at Provincial Hall.

As managing director of Phuket Ocean Front Co Ltd, Mr McDaniel said Phuket still possesses huge tourism potential and that there are few business investors in the proposed area, along Patak Road in Rawai.

He has rented a 60-rai plot for 30 years with the intention of building an aquarium and a marine petting zoo, as well as a hotel in the project’s proposed second stage.

Under the completed master plan, the entire project would take five years to complete.

The first phase aquarium and petting zoo could be completed by the beginning of the high season for tourism in late 2012, he said.

“The aquarium would be the first development phase. Located on a five-rai plot, it would also house a marine zoo with performing animals. This would serve local and foreign tourists all year round.

“We’re seeking licenses from related agencies. Once this is completed, the construction would take 120 days and the aquarium should open its doors in 2012. The hotel construction would start in the next two years,” he said.

Among the performing animals would be seals, sea lions and dolphins, he added.

- The Nation

-- Phuket Gazette 2011-04-06

oh great, more animals to be mistreated in phuket..

Yeah, I agree. While I am usually for aquariums as they support a strong message of conservation through education, animals and Thailand just don't go together. Animals generally suffer greatly in the hands of Thai's. The process for responsible and sustainable sourcing of animals must be transparent. And how are people going to get there? If the aquarium have their own vans the tuk tuk mafia will just blockade again.