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As tourists dwindle,
Nong Nooch tweaks shows, displays
This elephant from Nong Nooch is wishing
everyone a Happy 2014.
Patcharapol Panrak
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is hoping dancing elephants will awaken the
park’s fading tourist numbers.
Director Kampol Tansajja said visits by both Thai and foreign tourists
is down, due undoubtedly to political street protests in Bangkok that
have left six dead since early last month. He said only European
tourists are still coming in tour groups or with their families.
Rather than feel discouraged, Tansajja said the slower times are an
opportunity to make improvements to the garden, both in its displays and
shows. He has been collecting thousands of desert rose plants from
across the country and will hold a grand exhibition at the garden soon.
Now, however, General Manager Manit Narinrak changed up the elephant
show by having elephants danced to “Gangnam Style,” the Korean pop song
that sparked a worldwide wacky-dance craze. The pachyderms are also
writing “Happy 2014” and giving massages to tourists in the sand. The
elephants then walk over the missives, which Asians believe brings good
luck.
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