Government axes Chiang Mai tourism projects
CHIANG MAI – Two controversial Chiang Mai mega-projects from ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s administration – an elephant reserve and a cable car to Doi Suthep – have been postponed indefinitely due to the possibility of negative effects on the fragile ecosystem of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.
However, that Chiang Mai Night Safari will remain open for the time being.
The Nation newspaper reports that the Night Safari and the pending projects have created conflict and consternation amongst Chiang Mai residents.
While the long-term future of the Night Safari is uncertain, authorities said that improvements to the zoo might make it more viable.
Management of the Night Safari will be transferred to Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, and there is a possibility that an advisory committee made up of local residents will be created in order to involve the community in the initiative.
Locals say the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, overlooking the city of Chiang Mai, has been consistently eroded over the years by various governmental and private organisations, and is under threat by the continued development proposals.
The park contains rare orchid, bird and butterfly species.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism
Qatar Airways offers reduced timetable to over 60 destinations
WTTC global tourism reached record economic impact of 11 trillion in 2025
Hands In, UATP join forces for airline multi-card payments
Overseas travelers to the United States declined by 2.5% in 2025