The Institute for Marine Science at Burapha University is
building what promises to be Thailand’s largest aquarium in the eastern
province of Chonburi, hoping to compete with Singapore in offering a
world-class underwater experience.
Dr. Phichai Sonchaeng, the institute’s director, said
that the new aquarium would hold 5,000 tons of water, larger than any other
aquarium in Thailand or Singapore. Currently in the design stage, the
building is scheduled for completion at the end of 2005, or the beginning of
2006. Dr. Phichai said that the new aquarium would help encourage
eco-tourism, while also helping develop marine science at a local and
national level.
The aquarium will employ the latest technology to
showcase marine animals, which visitors will be able to view by walking
through underwater transparent tunnels. The institute is confident that it
will not be in direct competition with a number of other aquariums springing
up around the country, as it will emphasise research, rather than commercial
gain, and because other aquariums will turn to it to purchase their own fish
stocks. (TNA)
