Opposition to Phuket dolphin show growing fast

[Lite Beer]

Opposition to Phuket dolphin show growing fast

The Phuket News

The pool and auditorium in the Soi Parlai building.

PHUKET: A new, almost complete building that will, it is believed, house a dolphin show in Soi Parlai, Chalong, is becoming the centre of controversy, with international eco-warriors Sea Shepherd calling for the show to be stopped before it starts, and for a social media campaign to make this happen.

The large, circular, blue building on Soi Palai, Chalong, was being fitted out with seats the day The Phuket News visited it. The pool in the centre of the tiered ring of seats was being filled with seats. Fans and lights are already fitted around the auditorium and the circular pool was being filled with trucked-in water.

A large mural facing the main entrance shows a tall ship in full sail against a backdrop that might be Phang Nga Bay.

No one would talk to the reporters, though they were able to speak on the phone with the Thai partner in the venture. But she declined to talk about details, adding that she could be more forthcoming next month.

The reporters also spoke on the phone with a man who gave his name only as Vladimir. Speaking in Russian, he said that he, too, was not yet ready to say when the building would open, or even what it would be used for.

Asked whether animals would be involved, he said – after a long pause – “You will see later.” Sichon Meanglean, Acting Director of Engineering at Chalong Municipality, said, “Yes, I know about the dolphin show building on Soi Parlai Road. They started building at the beginning of this year. It is supposed to be finished in two months.

“They have followed all the processes to erect a legal entertainment building. We have checked and approved everything already.”

Local campaigners and Sea Shepherd are, however, dead set against the show. They also know that, the owners will require a permit from the Fisheries Department. An application has been made to the local Fisheries office, which has passed it on to Bangkok.

Sea Shepherd has already written to the “Phuket Tourism Board” and the Fisheries Department. “Stop The Nemo Dolphinarium,” the message, also posted on facebook, urges the two offices.

“It saddens me to hear that, rather than continue to strive and develop towards a sustainable and responsible future, Phuket is taking a step backwards by allowing a dolphin park (prison) to open on the island.

“At a time when the rest of the world is moving away from holding dolphins in captivity, it will be a major set back for Phuket and Thailand if you allow this venue to open. This will look very bad in the eyes of the international community.”

It goes on too assert that some of the dolphins are coming from Ukraine but were originally captured off the Japanese fishing village of Taiji, site of an infamous annual slaughter of dolphins.

“Phuket should not have any connection with the slaughter in Taiji or the captive dolphin industry. Instead Phuket should take the opportunity to allow visitors the unique chance to experience these beautiful animals in the wild, that frequent the waters around Phuket!”

Also leading the opposition is eco-campaigner Edwin Wiek, who was instrumental in stopping another dolphin show being launched in 2011, also in Chalong.

Local academics have also backed the call to stop the show, or at least test public opinion.

Dr Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong, the Chief of the Marine Endangered Species Unit at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre, said that he has no power to do anything unless ordered to do so from Bangkok.

But, he added that he personally did not support the dolphinarium at all and suggested that a social media campaign and, on the ground, social pressure, be applied to stop the show from going ahead.

Chantinee Boonchai, lecturer in technology and environment at the Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus, told The Phuket News, “We need more information to take action on this. We need to find out whether the animals will come from the wild or whether they were raised in captivity.

“The Dean has offered to host a discussion on this matter at the university but we will need to get the right people here. So if you all want to help checking with people who are interested and have experience in this topic about possibility of coming to discuss this at PSU, that will be great.”

Then social media campaign is already well under way, with a petition launched by Sea Shepherd having passed 2,000 signatures, the issue is gaining prominence on Facebook and local divers are banding together to oppose the show.

While the previous attempt to set up a show was stopped when it was in the planning stage, resulting in minimal pain for the investor, the Soi Parlai building is almost complete so the investors have a great deal more at stake.

Attempts to reach Vladimir for further comment on the opposition to the show were fruitless, though his reticence in the initial conversation with The Phuket News suggests that he is perhaps aware the facility may be controversial.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/opposition-to-phuket-dolphin-show-growing-fast-47413.php

-- Phuket News 2014-07-19

[patricev]

Following that logic, then zoo should also be shut down.

"In 2013, SeaWorld Orlando hosted an estimated 5.1 million guests, ranking it the tenth most visited amusement park in the United States and nineteenth worldwide."

Lots of stats here: http://www.teaconnect.org/pdf/TEAAECOM2013.pdf

Obviously, tourists like them.

[stevenl]

Following that logic, then zoo should also be shut down.

"In 2013, SeaWorld Orlando hosted an estimated 5.1 million guests, ranking it the tenth most visited amusement park in the United States and nineteenth worldwide."

Lots of stats here: http://www.teaconnect.org/pdf/TEAAECOM2013.pdf

Obviously, tourists like them.

Yes please.

[BKKBrit]

Following that logic, then zoo should also be shut down.

"In 2013, SeaWorld Orlando hosted an estimated 5.1 million guests, ranking it the tenth most visited amusement park in the United States and nineteenth worldwide."

Lots of stats here: http://www.teaconnect.org/pdf/TEAAECOM2013.pdf

Obviously, tourists like them.

But does it make it right?

[Jdietz]

Fight the eco-terrorists instead.

[LivinginKata]

[clockman]

When you lift the carpet in Thailand. Underneath, there is always something nasty!

[simon43]

This type of show will be very popular with Russians and Chinese - and they are the tourists who bring money to Phuket now.

[iReason]

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Following that logic, then zoo should also be shut down.

"In 2013, SeaWorld Orlando hosted an estimated 5.1 million guests, ranking it the tenth most visited amusement park in the United States and nineteenth worldwide."

Lots of stats here: http://www.teaconnect.org/pdf/TEAAECOM2013.pdf

Obviously, tourists like them.

Ignorant tourists.

Lot's of people like cigarettes too...

[grumpyoldman]

There is a good dolphin show in Subic PI but the whole thing is set up in the ocean. This kiddie pool scenario is horrendous, and atrocious, human cruelty to our animal friends.

The only people who want this are the tour operators.

[jpeg]

As is recommended, make this atrocity in the making a non starter by getting the word out. I've just sent a link to a chum at the GuardianUK. Links to all civilised countries would help. This country just can't stop itself, can it.

[patricev]

There is a good dolphin show in Subic PI but the whole thing is set up in the ocean. This kiddie pool scenario is horrendous, and atrocious, human cruelty to our animal friends.

The only people who want this are the tour operators.

Pointing out the ethical difference between the good and the bad instead of playing on morality with gory images would greatly boost credibility.

[Oziex1]

I am lead to beleive there were some positive action on ending or at least reducing the use of creatures like the Loris and Iguana as photo props for misguided tourists.

Now this, one step forward two steps back!

[craigt3365]

If India can stop this, so can Thailand.

http://dolphinproject.org/blog/post/no-dolphinariums-in-india

No Dolphinariums in India

January 14, 2013 by Ric O'Barry, Earth Island Institute

Preemptive move follows proposals for captive dolphin facilities in several Indian states

[wantan]

If its the same as these "Nemo Dolphinariums" its a circus with some dolphins. I doubt the animals will be treated species-appropriate in such small pool in Phuket. Seems to be build cheap to make maximum profit.

[simon43]

The only people who want this are the tour operators.

And thousands of Asian tourists who will visit Phuket. Face reality. Many cultures and countries do not care a knat's bottom about whether this type of show is cruel, humane or whatever. Just like viewing the animals at the Chiang Mai Night Safari and then eating the same animals in the Safari restaurant.

This is no different from gawking at the sad animals in Phuket Zoo.

[Shot]

Following that logic, then zoo should also be shut down.

"In 2013, SeaWorld Orlando hosted an estimated 5.1 million guests, ranking it the tenth most visited amusement park in the United States and nineteenth worldwide."

Lots of stats here: http://www.teaconnect.org/pdf/TEAAECOM2013.pdf

Obviously, tourists like them.

Yes, the zoo should be shut down. It’s not really much of a zoo, rather a place with animals hoping to die.

Comparing this to SeaWorld, is a bit like comparing The Grand Hyatt to Motel 6.

Edited July 19, 2014 by Shot

[EBlair48]

Following that logic, then zoo should also be shut down.

"In 2013, SeaWorld Orlando hosted an estimated 5.1 million guests, ranking it the tenth most visited amusement park in the United States and nineteenth worldwide."

Lots of stats here: http://www.teaconnect.org/pdf/TEAAECOM2013.pdf

Obviously, tourists like them.

Yep all captive marine animal shows should be shut, I agree !!I They are ALL cruel and I can only imagine, from what I know firsthand of dogs, cats and horses here, it will be a horrible, horrible place for animals.

Edited July 19, 2014 by EBlair48

[EBlair48]

The only people who want this are the tour operators.

And thousands of Asian tourists who will visit Phuket. Face reality. Many cultures and countries do not care a knat's bottom about whether this type of show is cruel, humane or whatever. Just like viewing the animals at the Chiang Mai Night Safari and then eating the same animals in the Safari restaurant.

This is no different from gawking at the sad animals in Phuket Zoo.

True animals in Thai zoos have drawn the short end of the stick, especially the tiger Park victims, but dolphins and whales are highly intelligent and should never be held captive in tanks that are simply not adequate for their relative size and need for freedom.

When's the protest?.... Oh wait it's illegal to protest, doubly so for "whitey" !! !!

Edited July 19, 2014 by EBlair48

[EBlair48]

There is a good dolphin show in Subic PI but the whole thing is set up in the ocean. This kiddie pool scenario is horrendous, and atrocious, human cruelty to our animal friends.

The only people who want this are the tour operators.

Pointing out the ethical difference between the good and the bad instead of playing on morality with gory images would greatly boost credibility.

Are you the proprietor? If so please know you have a nasty battle on your hands. Hope your Thai majority share- holders are real and have an actual 51 % investment. . Otherwise it would be ....um... illegal.

Edited July 19, 2014 by EBlair48

[NamKangMan]

A little off topic from dolphins, but I have been to a couple of the elephant shows in Thailand. They paint and kick a football etc etc. I'm sure other members have seen these shows.

It was great entertainment, but I always thought there must have been negative reinforcement (punishment) in their "training."

I do not support such animal entertainment in Thailand, with baht, anymore.

Edited July 19, 2014 by NamKangMan

[robertthebruce]

It's 2014 civilised countries have got over this.

But like an earlier post quote... "It's Russians and Chinese" tourists,that are now coming to Phuket, and that's right up,there street...one by one.....

[EBlair48]

Fight the eco-terrorists instead.

Why because they stand in the way of corporate profit over sustainability ? Money above all? No real need to care about the future as certain others won't be in it and really really need to buy yet another HUMONGOUS TV NOW ? That kind of selfish mentality?

Re the Sea Shepherd petition, Change . org always comes in in Thai language , anyone know how to make it stop ?

Edited July 19, 2014 by EBlair48

[noitom]

The Thai military dictatorship should dismantle this venue immediately. Any sort of wildlife show for Dolphins should be in a natural habitat in the Ocean with seats on the side of an inlet or cove.

[Goldieinkathu]

Fight the eco-terrorists instead.

Why because they stand in the way of corporate profit over sustainability ? Money above all? No real need to care about the future as certain others won't be in it and really really need to buy yet another HUMONGOUS TV NOW ? That kind of selfish mentality?

Re the Sea Shepherd petition, Change . org always comes in in Thai language , anyone know how to make it stop ?

Right at the bottom of the page on the right hand side is the box to click to change the language.

[simon43]

According to the media reports, this is a legal venue that has all relevant local permits, CITES certificate etc. If you don't approve of Dolphin shows for personal reasons, then that's hardly a good reason for the authorities to close this business down.

As I said in my previous post, Russian and Chinese tourists and their revenue is important to Phuket now, not the views of whitey expat.

I am an animal lover, and I certainly don't agree with this venture. But let's see who wins this battle, the baht or the heart.

[robertthebruce]

You got it in a nutshell "Simon' , let's see who wins the Baht or the Heart....

[Oziex1]

"Russian and Chinese tourists and their revenue is important to Phuket now"

These two groups have been accused on this forum of being Cheap Charlies. Is their revenue contribution significant?

Ivé been to the awful Phuket Zoo, and yes the above mentioned groups do seem to enjoy those exploitive and totally outdated shows.

[EBlair48]

The sad fact is animals are generally simply considered unworthy of compassion in this culture- can we expats change this attitude? Yes, attitudes all over the world are changed.....

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

Every little thing you can do today to stop this will count in the future, do not give up your ethics in face of the money- above- all opposition. This is wrong, it can be changed and it will

[craigt3365]

An off topic post has been removed from view. This is not about the Malaysian airline being shot down.