The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has suggested that a dinosaur theme park in Khon Kaen be developed to help boost tourism and generate income for the northeastern region.
Seksan Sripraiwa, director of Khon Kaen TAT office, on Monday said he had urged the government to work with the private sector to develop such a park since Thailand has sites of geological significance, including Phu Wiang Dinosaur Footprint in Khon Kaen and dinosaur fossils in Kalasin.
"We need to build a large theme park, as large as Disneyland, with the simulation from the Jurassic World film. Such a tourist attraction would bring lots of income to locals," he said.
He said that TAT recently partnered with international schools in Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Nakhon Ratchasima to initiate dinosaur-themed educational field trips for students.
He said the activities proved successful, and TAT is trying to work with schools in Bangkok and other provinces.
He suggested that the government develop roads and public transport services to connect the airport with the dinosaur tour route and facilitate tourism.
Somradee Chitchong, deputy governor of TAT's domestic market, said TAT is preparing to work with Major Cineplex to initiate a dinosaur-themed tour route following a report that Jurassic World 4 will be filmed in Thailand's southern provinces of Krabi and Trang, from mid-June to mid-July.
"The filming of major films like Jurassic World 4 in Thailand is a good sign to significantly boost the country's tourism industry, expecting to attract both Thai and international tourists to follow filming locations, especially among families who are dinosaur lovers," she said.
Aman Madadam, director of the Krabi provincial TAT office, said the film's production will help enhance tourism in the province, increasing hotel reservations, employment, and shopping. This is expected to generate at least 100 million baht in revenue.