Chiang Mai, Phrae science museums scrapped

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has scrapped a 2.7-billion-baht (S$113.1 million) plan to build science museums in Chiang Mai and Phrae and will instead have a less-expensive science-technology exhibition centre built in Pathum Thani.

Proposed by former Pheu Thai Member of Parliament Woravat Auapinyakul and approved by the previous government, the museums were still in the planning stages. Dropping them in lieu of the Pathum Thani centre will save the government approximately 500 million baht.

The proposed exhibition hall for science technology will help fulfil a goal to develop a science city in Klong Luang district of Pathum Thani, where the Thailand Science Park already is located. Plans call for the new facility to be built on an adjacent, 8.32 hectare plot. Mr Pichet Durongkaveroj, Minister of Science and Technology of Thailand, said the ministry already discussed the science city plan with the National Economic and Social Development Board.

There also are plans to build a monorail and extend the route to Ayutthaya, while high-tech industries may be approved to open along the route.

Mr Pichet said the new centre would be similar to the facilities like Impact Muang Thong Thani or Bitec Bang Na, but with the focus on activities related to science and technology.

He brushed aside criticism that the cancellation of the two science museums was politically motivated, saying they would have had limited visitors and lacked adequate transportation access. BANGKOK POST