Cartoon Network Breaks Ground on New Thailand Waterpark - Animation Insider

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Fifty years ago, Bang Saray, Thailand, was "a sleepy fishing village where the only activity was the coming and going of small wooden fishing crafts as they depart each day to make their catch." Now? This charming little port on Thailand's eastern coast (north of the Gulf of Thailand) has developed into a popular resort and luxury rest spot for everyone ranging from professional golfers to seafood enthusiasts. Bang Saray looks to build on this half-century of tourism to become the home of Cartoon Network's first themed waterpark, Cartoon Network AMAZONE.

Announced earlier this week as an integral move toward expanding CN originals to kids and families in new and enterprising locations, Cartoon Network AMAZONE is an interesting project likely to further boost Cartoon Network Asia Pacific's visibility. The waterpark will be the first of its kind for Cartoon Network and will splash the likeness of Tennyson, Gumball, Chowder, and all the rest on the latest rides and festivities. Cartoon-hemed parks and playlands are certainly no small feat to accomplish, but their proliferation in Germany, Italy, Australia, the UK, and other countries have proven that with some careful planning and shrewd marketing, it's not only possible, but sustainable as well

"Thailand has excellent tourism credentials, a vibrant culture with a vast history and also the most welcoming people in the world," Liakat Dhanji, Chairman, Amazon Falls Co. Ltd., commented on the groundbreaking. 

"The addition of Cartoon Network AMAZONE marks Thailand's very first internationally branded water theme park. Cartoon Network is a global household name, and with this strategic alliance, we have no doubt that by welcoming our guests to meet their favorite Cartoon Network heroes, it will be a great draw for our park."

Dhanji's Amazon Falls is a privately held hospitality organization with a substantial stake in Cartoon Network AMAZONE; the company is in charge of the waterpark's development and design. The park is currently scheduled for a 2013 opening and will reportedly include a motif or two dedicated to the Amazon rainforest, which, outside of the usual wave pools, raft rides, and "one of the world's largest interactive water play fortresses," should prove quite amusing.

The park's location, the palm-fringed Bang Saray, is strategic, per CN Asia Pacific. Bang Saray is located 90 minutes from the Bangkok international airport, sports an effortless view of the turquoise ocean, and is home to the Kingdom's largest resort, as previously mentioned. The park's estimated annual attendance, when fully operational, is expected to reach 800,000.

"Cartoon Network is all about the fun and energy of the playground, and the addition of Cartoon Network AMAZONE means that families can literally step into our vibrant world of animation and vacation with their favourite characters like never before," Sunny Saha, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, TBS Asia Pacific, Inc., commented. "We are very proud to have Thailand as the spectacular backdrop for the world's first Cartoon Network-themed waterpark. Thailand's reputation as the Land of Smiles and perfect weather will ensure a memorable visit for guests of all ages."

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Edited March 3, 2012 by FarangFarang