Animal attractions in Thailand run out of money

BANGKOK — Thailand’s elephant and tiger attractions have run out of money and options, says operators, who pleaded for government assistance on Feb. 13.

The message was delivered at the Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai, where tourism commissioner Sirinthorn Ramsut and Pheu Thai MPs met with zoo operators to seek a path out of the business downturn caused by COVID-19.

Sirinthorn highlighted the government’s low-interest loan program to revive businesses but said it was still insufficient and difficult to access.

Pacha Rattanaphan, president of Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association, said Thailand’s five tiger attractions had run out of cash after failing to secure financial credit from banks.

He added that elephant sanctuaries faced difficulty securing loans as their land was often undocumented. He called on…