BANGKOK, Thailand (17 Feb 2006) -- Bangkok has become one of Thailand's dive spots with the introduction by Siam Ocean World, the aquarium located underneath the Siam Paragon shopping centre, of a 'Dive with the Sharks' programme. Geoff Olson, general manager of Siam Ocean World Co, said the programme was a collaboration between a Bangkok-based diving centre, and an international diving-equipment brand. ''We guarantee that divers will encounter more than 20 sharks such as ragged-tooth, leopard, ornate wobbegong and black-tipped reef sharks,'' said Mr Olson. All divers will be covered by insurance. The fee is 5,300 baht for experienced divers. Beginners who have dived less than 10 times are charged 6,000 baht since they need a short tune-up session before entering the shark tank, while those who have never dived are charged an extra 600 baht for complete orientation. Thousands of tourists are expected to participate in the programme annually, said Olson. The Oceanis Australia Group, which operates Siam Ocean World, offers the same programme at its aquarium in Melbourne, Australia. Since its launch two months ago, Siam Ocean World has attracted 370,000 visitors, 80% of whom are Thais. | | A shark swims past diving coach David Milne and actors Chermarn "Ploy" Boonyasak and Ananda Everingham as they test out the new attraction. — SOMCHAI LAOPAISARNTAKSIN The programme is expected to help increase the demand for diving equipment and other diving services in Thailand according to an area manager for an international diving equipment company. He said Thailand was a fast-growing market for scuba dviing equipment. SOURCE - Bangkok Post |
