Cartoon Network water park planned

  Scheduled to open next year, and named Cartoon Network Amazone, the park is billed as a nod to the lush Amazon rainforest while infusing the world’s most popular animated series and toon heroes, including Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo and The Amazing World of Gumball.
Liakat Dhanji, chairman of Amazon Falls, a developer of Thai attractions and resorts and responsible for development of the project, said the investment for the first phase would be Bt1 billion.
The entire project will employ between 300 and 500 people, besides which more than 1,000 workers will be involved during construction.
The project has been awarded privileges from the Board of Investment and been certified for an environmental-impact-assessment requirement.
First-phase construction is under way and, when completed, will cover 5.6 hectares of coastal plains in Bang Saray.
The themed water park is set to attract up to 800,000 visitors a year when fully operational, Dhanji said.
Thailand has excellent tourism credentials, a vibrant culture with a vast history and also the most welcoming people in the world, and the addition of Cartoon Network Amazone marks the country’s very first internationally branded water theme park, he said.
“Cartoon Network is a global household name, and with this strategic alliance, we have no doubt that by welcoming our guests to meet their favourite Cartoon Network heroes, it will be a great draw for our park,” the executive added.
The park will feature attractions ranging from the serene to the exciting, including a gigantic family wave pool, a winding adventure river, speed-racing slides, family raft rides and one |of the world’s largest interactive water-play fortresses for |kids.
“Cartoon Network is all about the fun and energy of the playground, and the addition of Cartoon Network Amazone means that families can literally step into our vibrant world of animation and vacation with their favourite characters like never before,” said Sunny Saha, senior vice president and managing director for Turner Broadcasting System Asia |Pacific.
“We are very proud to have Thailand as the spectacular backdrop for the world’s first Cartoon Network-themed water park. Thailand’s reputation as the Land of Smiles and perfect weather will ensure a memorable visit for guests of all ages,” he added.
Atchaka Sribunruang, secretary-general of the Board of Investment, said that apart from offering substantial foreign investment, the project could |create numerous training and employment opportunities for Thai people of all professional |and skill levels, and create |many jobs both directly and |indirectly for the local economy.
“Our famous tourism market offers some of the most exciting and exotic attractions in the world and we are confident that the project will be a premier family destination for all.
“The idyllic location has been chosen for the water park because of its natural, unspoiled beauty, accessibility and the richness of its local culture. With over 5 million tourists a year to Chon Buri province, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand.
Last year, Pattaya was voted ‘Golf Destination of the Year 2012 for Australasia and Asia’ by the IAGTO [International Association of Golf Tour Operators],” she said.