BANGKOK, May 15 (TNA) – Hinoki Land, the
Japanese-inspired tourist site in Chiang Mai, has become controversial on
social media after the Culture Ministry selected it as one of Thailand’s top 10
cultural destinations.
Hinoki Land, located in Chai Prakan district features
a four-storey Hinoki Castle and hundreds of red torii gates.
The Department of Cultural Promotion announced the
theme park one of the country’s must-see cultural attractions, which preserve
the cultural heritage.
After the nomination sparked public criticism over
selection criteria, the Cultural Promotion Department has explained about the
selection process that surveys on cultural destinations were conducted by
provincial cultural offices and relevant agencies.
The reports were submitted to a selection committee
and experts for consideration. Due to wide criticism, the issue will be
proposed to the committee to revise its decision.
Meanwhile, Saneh Saiyenjai, head of the Chiang Mai cultural office said his
office and Chiang Mai Cultural Council had not proposed Hinoki Land for the
listing.
He said officials, who are in charge of the project explained
to him that the selection was based on tourists’ opinions nationwide on
popularity of cultural sites.
His office will send a letter to the Director-General
of the Cultural Promotion Department to inform about worries and disagreement
of Chiang Mai people because of incompatibility with Thai culture.
Anirut Juangprasertying, owner of Hinoki Land said he built the
place for Thai people to experience Japanese culture with replicas of Japanese
attractions.
The whole structure was made of aromatic Japanese
Cypress or Hinoki and it created jobs for 1,200 local households.
After collection of entrance fee reached 20 million
baht, Hinoki Land has been opened for free since March until now. (TNA)
