THE Thai government has ordered the famous Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi to evacuate and relocate its 146 tigers and birds, citing animal welfare and security concerns.
The animals will be transferred to Khao Prathap Chang Wildlife Husbandry Station in Chombueng, Ratchaburi province.
Understanding that animal welfare is a growing concern in the tourism industry, Soraya Homchuen, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mumbai, said: “TAT does not support any exploitation of animals for the purpose of tourism.”
“For the animal welfare guidelines, we are working closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the main government agency responsible for enforcing laws and setting standards for all attractions in Thailand, to address the issue.”
Meanwhile, the trade appears unperturbed by the Tiger Temple’s closure.
Burjis Mehta, CEO, Sky World Tours & Travels told TTG Asia e-Daily that the closure will not lead to a significant drop in Indian tourists to Thailand. “But, given the fact that Thailand has prominent Buddhist sites, I believe cultural and historical sites will gain much impetus among Indian tourists,” he added.
Neelu Singh, director and CEO of Ezeego1, an OTA, said that he has not received any notification from TAT about the closure and that their Thailand tours will continue to operate.
“However, we would support any such move by the government as they may have a definite reason to implement it,” he said.
This year, TAT is promoting the country under the Discover Thainess campaign. Tourists are recommended to explore Thailand’s cultural and historical assets instead, such as the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and the Death Railway, and national parks like Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary.
