Bueng Chawak
Bueng Chawak was originally a part of Tha Chin River. After a period of times, a part or the river branched off to form a crescent shaped lake tht took up some areas of Doem Bang Nang Buat district, Suphan Buri province, and Hankha district, Chai Nat province. In 1994, the Suphan Buri Provincial Authority and H.E.Mr.Banharn Silpa-archa, the Prime Minister, and various sectors, public and private. Initiated the Bueng Chawak Chalerm Phra Kiet Development Project to celebrate His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s on his 50th Year Accession to the Throne.
The lake was excavated to dam up 10 million cubic meters of freshwater to irrigate 6,500 rais (10,400,000 sq m.) of agricultural land. The surrounding areas were developed into other projects such as the Wildlife Extension Center (Department of Livestock Development), a garden of indigenous vegetables, and an exhibition center for aquatic animals.
Wildlife Extension Center Bung Chawak
Tourist Information Center Service : The center offers information on breeding and caring many kinds of wildlife, as well as bird watching. In the large aviary connected to the building, many kinds of birds are housed for visitors to observe and study them. In addition, a video room is provided to display films and slides on wildlife plus narration about the origin of the center.
Aviary : This 5 rai (8,000 sq m.). 25-meter high aviary houses a menagerie of birds. The interior of the aviary is made to provide a living condition that closely resembles their authentic natural surroundings. There are 45 species of birds and pheasants that include Green Pea fowls, Grey Peacock Pheasants. Red Jungle fowls, Silver Pheasants, Siamese Firebacks, Crested Firebacks, Alexandrine Parakeets, Cockatoos, Spot-billed Ducks, Sarus Cranes, Painted Storks, and Asian Openbills.
Rare Animals Breeding Enclosures :
1. Tigers and Lions zones are located next to each other, Inside, the large banister is arranged with caves and high rocky hills to resemble their natural surroundings, Other species nearby panthers, clouded leopards, and leopard cats.
2. The wading birds aviary was constructed to house many types of wading bird for study purposes, as well as for bird watching including Sarus Cranes, Pelicans, Coot, and White-winged Ducks.
3. Pheasants and rare birds zone house rare and near extinct pheasants and birds such as Green Peafowls, Silver Pheasants, Siamese Firebacks, and Hornbills.
4. Other rare animals located nearby are ostriches, camels, and zebras.
The Wildlife Extension Center
Tel : 0 3543-9206 / 0 3543-9210
Fax : 0 3543-9210
The Garden for Indigenous Vegetables: The Garden was established by the Department of Agricultural Promotion under the umbrella of Ministry of Agriculture aiming to educate people about the importance of indigenous vegetables and their significant values to Thailand. Many types of vegetables were collected from all parts of Thailand, so the Thai public could study the process of planting, propagation, consumption, and their nutritious value.
The garden is located on a beautiful landscape. Numerous items on indigenous vegetables are available at the kiosk and library. They hydroponics (planting without soil) agriculture of more than 500 types of vegetables is demonstrated at the Garden. Seeds of many cultivars are also available for sale.
The Garden of Indigenous Vegetables: 102 M.9 Doem Bang, Doem Bang Nang Buat District, Suphan Buri 72120 Tel : 0 1948 9214, 0 9836 1358 Fax : 0 3543 9523
The Garden runs tours 4 times a day:
Morning from 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.
Afternoon from 2.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.
General visit is everyday from: 8.30 a.m.- 6.00 p.m.
The Exhibition Center for Aquatic Animals (Department of Fisheries) was constructed under the Bueng Chawak Royal Development Project to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 50 Year Accession to the Throne. The construction was commenced on 19 July 1996, and opened to public in February 1998. The aim of this construction is to provide a state of the art center for behavioral study of Important aquatic animals for academics, students, as well as the general public. The attractions of the center as follow :
1. Aquatic Animals Exhibition Building 1 was built to host and exhibit numerous interesting aquatic animals. In this section, there are more than 50 species aquatic animals, both native and foreign, as well as exotic fishes. Some of the species on display are the Mekong Giant Catfish, Siamese Tiger fish. Many interesting rare fishes from other parts of the world such as the Amazon Tiger Shovelnose Catfish, and Amazon Red-tailed Catfish are also shown for visitors to acquire first-hand knowledge on the ecological system. In addition to the aquatic species mentioned above, marine creatures like Schooling Bannerfish, Blue-spotted Ray, Niger Triggerfish, Nurse sharks, and Thorny Sea Horses are also on display.
2. Aquatic Animals Exhibition Building 2 was constructed subsequently when the original building became too small since it could only keep 50 aquatic species, which left no room for expansion, H.E.Mr.Banharn Silpa-archa, thus commissioned the construction of Building 2 to be located nearby. Inside the Building, there is a large 400 cubic meter circular aquarium that all visitors can walk around and observe the fishes from all directions. There is an 8.5 meter walk through tunnel, the first of its kind in Thailand, where all visitors can view a numerous aquariums, 30 containers of show-cased freshwater fishes and 7 tanks of beautiful seawater fishes are also displayed in the building.
3. Crocodile Pool was built to provide a natural surrounding and living quarters for these large prehistoric reptiles. The 3 rai (4,800 sq m.) of land comprises a large pool and a dry area with planted trees to provide a home for 80 Siamese Crocodiles with sizes ranging from 1.5 to 4 meters in length.
The Exhibition Center for Aquatic Animals is opened everyday.
Fees are 30 baht for adults and 10 baht for children.
Opening hours are:
Monday-Friday 10.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 09.00 a.m.-06.00 p.m.