A Dolphin centre is proposed for Phuket.

[TV Channel 11]

1. The proposal was brought up to Phuket Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura by the Phuket Marine & Biological Centre director Wannakiat Thaptimsang and Judith Kongsted, a Danish marine scientist during a meeting yesterday at the governor's office.
Voicing his support for the project, Mr. Wannakiat sees it as facility to treat dolphins, especially injured ones, as they are endangered animals of which 10 - 20 each year get stranded on shore. They are usually injured when caught up in fishing gear. He also thinks the facility would be an attraction to tourists visiting the resort island. Meanwhile the Danish marine scientist pointed out that research studies showed that dolphins can help in psychological therapy. According to their plan, a large centre would be built in the sea with a budget of 100 - 240 million baht. An environmental impact assessment will be conducted before any implementation takes place.

2. to see mini-video of interview about a new dolphin park project at Cape Panwa, proposed to the Phuket Marine Biological Centre, near the Aquarium, by Danish marine scientists, go to http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=163317

We spoke to the Centre’s Director, Wannakiat Thubthimsang, yesterday, after he discussed the project this week with the Phuket Governor, and asked him first to outline the ideas of Dolphin project:
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Contact: Tel 01-8427508, wannakiat@yahoo.com www.pmbc.go.th &
Judith.kongsted@mail.dk
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from Andaman News TV11 + Radio Thailand FM90.5 Phuket City, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, 8.30am weekdays & www.Thaisnews.com