Nomination of Japanese –Inspired Tourist Site Widely Criticized

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)