Upcoming Chiang Mai water park a ‘boon for local economy’

FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2016
|

THE TUBE Trek Water Park, a Bt500-million Thai-Chinese venture, is slated to open late this year in Chiang Mai’s San Kamphaeng district.

Situated on 40 rai (6.4 hectares) in Tambon Ton Pao, the water park aims to attract some 3,000 visitors a day, said Chiang Mai Tube Trek Water Park Co Ltd marketing manager Anucha Tamuang yesterday.
 The space-themed park’s compound will be divided into two parts: a 30-rai water park and a 10-rai car park. 
Tickets will cost between Bt650-Bt750 for Thais and between Bt850-Bt950 for foreigners while children will be charged between Bt450-Bt550.
Anucha said the park’s construction was 50 per cent complete. 
He said San Khamphaeng was selected as the park’s site because besides being allowed under city planning regulations, the district was close to the city.
The urban spread is moving towards the district, he added.
He said residents in the surrounding area had welcomed the project as it would create jobs, with locals to be given priority. 
Permission would be sought to expand the rather narrow entrance road to the park with the community’s approval. 
Anucha said the water for the park would be supplied by groundwater wells as well as some taps so it would not affect water supplies. 
Chiang Mai Tourism Industry Council president Pornchai Jitnavasathien said Chiang Mai tourism had evolved according to a city development plan away from a dependence on nature and culture. 
Pornchai said more attractions had been built in the province to cater to adventure-seeking tourists. 
He said the first water park in the province would add to Chiang Mai’s wide range of interesting tourist activities and attract many tourists, create jobs and generate more income for the community.