Chiang Mai zip-line operator detained after tourist death
Monday, 26 Oct, 2015
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The operator of a Chiang Mai zip-line ride has been detained following the death of a Chinese tourist last week.
Company owner Santi Pitikarm was initially arrested after the zip-line ride was found to be encroaching on the Mae Rim National Reserve Forest.
Officials from the district police and the Forest Prevention and Reservation Unit said he was also operating the business without a valid permit.
The inspection was sparked by the death of Chinese tourist Wang Qi, 32, who fell to her death on October 11.
The incident had become a major news story in the Chinese media and led to tourism minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul and Chao Siewliengfrom from the Chinese consulate in Chaing Mai participating in a public hearing concerning safety.
The minister said all zip-line and adventure tourism operators in the country will undergo strict inspections.
Chiang Mai has 14 zip-line rides with several others also believed to encroach on national reserve land.
Kobkarn said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had authorised a compensation payout to Wang’s family.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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