Construction has begun on the world’s first Cartoon Network-themed waterpark, which will open next year in Thailand.
Located in idyllic Bang Saray, close to Pattaya, Cartoon Network AMAZONE will feature the licensed properties Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo and The Amazing World of Gumball.
The waterpark will incorporate an Amazon Rainforest theme and feature signature attractions including a gigantic family wave pool, a winding adventure river, speed-racing slides, family raft rides and one of the world’s largest interactive water play fortresses for kids. Creative design is being handled in-house by the team at Cartoon Network Asia in Hong Kong, with equipment supplied by Polin Waterparks & Pool Systems.
“At Cartoon Network AMAZONE families can step into our vibrant world of animation and vacation like never before,” says Sunny Saha, senior vice-president and managing director of Turner Broadcasting Asia Pacific. “We are very proud to have Thailand as the spectacular backdrop for the world’s first Cartoon Network-themed waterpark.”
Turner will develop the waterpark together with local attraction and resorts operator Amazon Falls Co Ltd. Phase one is already under construction. When complete in 2013 it will cover 14 acres of coastal plains and attract a projected 800,000 visitors a year.
“Thailand has excellent tourism credentials, a vibrant culture with a vast history and also the most welcoming people in the world,” notes Amazon Falls chairman Liakat Dhanji. “Cartoon Network is a global household name, and with this strategic alliance we have no doubt that by welcoming our guests to meet their favourite Cartoon Network heroes, it will be a great draw for our park.”
Located on the east coast, Bang Saray retains its charm as a fully functioning fishing port yet is in close proximity to leading golf courses, resorts and some of the best seafood restaurants in Thailand. With over five million tourists a year to the surrounding Chonburi province, it is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The Thailand Board of Investment has pledged has pledged to offer, “as much assistance as required” to the Cartoon Network project.
