Staff angry over plan to change Night Safari administration

The 300-strong group, led by the park's executives Upatham Pavaputanont and Pisal Vasuvanich, yesterday submitted a letter to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont through Chiang Mai Governor Wibul Sa-nguanpong. Deputy Chiang Mai Governor Pairoj Saengphuwong received the letter on Wibul's behalf.

Pisal said the group opposed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's January 8 request to the PM's office about a change in the park's administration status as part of the sustainable tourism concept for 2007 and 2008.

He said the ministry had asked for the February 20, 2007 Cabinet resolution setting the Night Safari up as a special zone be cancelled and it be transferred to the ZPO until a company to run it was properly established.

Upatham said many people thought there should be a thorough study before the park was moved to the ZPO, looking especially at when it would be in a position to make a decent profit.

As a public organisation, he said the safari had "administrative agility" and sufficient income to take care of itself - excluding discounts and promotions. Making it a state enterprise would affect that ability.

"The safari is expected to stand firmly on its own feet in the next seven years. As it has only been open for two years, it is still being undergoing investment. Its marketability has not yet reached full momentum, hence the small profit margins," Upatham said.

Dee Janthornkhalak, kamnan of Tambon Mae Hia and chairman of the group that supplies food for the park's animals, said the transfer would affect the group's 500 members in Tambon Mae Hia, Nong Khwai and Suthep. As well, most park employees were local residents.

Chiang Mai

The Nation