Govt planning transfer of Chiang Mai Zoo operations

Chote said the ministry had received an official letter from the Office of the Prime Minister about the transfer of the zoo’s operations. In the letter, it was explained that the transfer was aimed at promoting the development of tourist destinations like Chiang Mai Zoo, which is a home of hundreds of wild animals, including several pandas from China. The zoo generates more than Bt100 million a year. 

The official letter was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi and was sent on August 4 requesting that Natural Resources and Environment Minister Wichet Kasemthongsri transfer administration of the zoo to the Pinkanakorn Development Agency.

According to the official letter, Plodprasop has also instructed the Zoological Park Organisation to organise a meeting to resolve the issue. 

An environmental expert, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was worried that the transfer of the zoo would lead to its commercialisation, while care of the animals would become a secondary concern.

The government has already transferred operations of Chiang Mai Night Safari and Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre to the Pinkanakorn Development Agency.

According to the environmental expert, the government has instructed the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand to team up with the Pinkanakorn Development Agency to study the pros and cons of transferring the zoo’s operations. The Zoological Park Organisation will hold a meeting with the agency to discuss the issue on August 5.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Wichet Kasemthongsri said the transfer of the zoo’s operations was aimed at promoting local tourism. He added that a press conference would be arranged providing details of the transfer, once arrangements had been finalised.