Flood-battered Bangkok amusement park won’t rule out sale

Management considering all options as they devise rehabilitation plan for Siam Amazing Park

The management of Siam Amazing Park is desperately seeking a way to keep the 46-year-old amusement and water park operating after flooding in Bangkok damaged nearly the entire complex, with a sale for 10 billion baht one of many options.

Many water pumps have been deployed around the park, also known as Suansiam, which covers about 300 rai in Khan Na Yao district, as work continued on Saturday to drain floodwater and restore facilities.

Extensive damage affecting nearly 100% of the complex was reported following the park’s announcement on Wednesday that it would close for six months.

Initial damage has been estimated at more than 500 million baht, according to the management.

Chaiwat Luangamornlert, the chairman and founder of Siam Amazing Park, described the situation as the worst flood he has experienced in his 90 years, saying it had submerged every inch of the park he built with his own hands.

Speaking to media visiting the park on Saturday, he said the water inundated the site rapidly within a single day, leaving insufficient time to prepare or take preventive measures because staff had not received advance information about the situation.

Mr Chaiwat said in a video posted on the park’s online page that he knew there had been heavy rain but did not expect it to be this severe.

Chaiwat Luangamornlert, chairman and founder of Siam Amazing Park, in 2015. (Bangkok Post file photo)

The damage is so extensive that resuming operations will take a long time, particularly as its rides use electrical and electronic systems imported from overseas.

The park is currently coordinating with the manufacturers to bring in engineering teams to inspect the rides and assess their safety.

Management initially said restoration could take three to four months, but several factors will determine the park’s future, including government assistance, support from financial institutions and public response.

The park employs more than 500 people. Mr Chaiwat said many had come to cry with him, uncertain about how they would get by during the closure.

He told the media that if there were interested parties willing to take over the business, Siam Amazing Park was prepared to sell it for about 10 billion baht, excluding its more than 30 rides.

One other option under consideration is selling tickets in advance, with the proceeds used to restore and improve the facilities.

Management said the plan was intended to raise revenue for the rehabilitation of the business and that it did not want to solicit donations, hoping the measure would help the park reopen as soon as possible.

The park also operates a zoo, where 10 hog deer were rescued from the flood on Sept 27, while six others were found dead in the water.

Animals that survived the flood have been handed over to the Zoological Park Organisation, while domestic animals were sent to Wat Pa Phutthachinwongsaram in Phayao province for further care.

Siam Amazing Park was founded in November 1980 and remains the oldest amusement and water park complex in Southeast Asia. It is also known locally as the “Bangkok Sea” for its large artificial sea, which suffered extensive flood damage and will require major renovation work.

A boy has fun at the Maha Songkran Siam event at Siam Amazing Park in 2024. (Bangkok Post file photo)