Bueng Chawak Chalermphrakiat (Bueng Chawak), a freshwater lake in Suphan Buri that covers an area totaling 2,700 rai (430 hectares), is one of the province's most popular tourist attractions.
In December (2009), Bueng Chawak Aquarium, one of the most popular attractions based at the lake, unveiled its third major aquarium installation, which includes what is said to be the world's largest shark tank.
Auspicious beginnings
The Suphan Buri provincial authority and influential politician Banharn Silpa-arch, who was later to become Thailand's 21st prime minister, were responsible for initiating the Bueng Chawak Chalerm Phra Kiet Development Project in 1994 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Accession to the Throne.
The project focused on developing the lake's water storage potential, but was later to include the addition of several other attractions. Once the capacity was expanded, the lake had a storage capacity of 10 million cubic meters, with the ability to irrigate up to 6,500 rai of agricultural land.
Among the other important attractions around the lake are the Bueng Chawak Wildlife Management Development Center, the Native Vegetable Garden, Bueng Chawak Resort, along with Bueng Chawak Aquarium, which has become the most popular. As well as regular features you would find in most aquariums, it also has freshwater ponds filled with crocodiles.
Tunnels abound
When the aquarium formally opened its doors to the public in 1996, the center featured two aquarium buildings featuring both freshwater examples of marine life and creatures native to the world’s oceans.
The public is sure to be wowed by the latest (third) building, which features even more examples of creatures from deep, as well as boasting a 6.8-meter-tall cylindrical tank, which is said to be the loftiest in the kingdom.
Close by is a fascinating attraction – a ‘touch’ pool – which is where visitors can observe the fish more closely and even get an idea as to how some fish, including starfish, and turtles feel, all under the watchful eye of a helpful member of staff.
The ‘Open Sea’ attraction on the second floor has a nine-meter-tall tank, which includes escalators that lead the visitor deeper. Here you’ll see an array of marine species, including Blue Tang, Domino Damsel, Tomato Crown and Yellow Wrasse.
Another long tunnel features Giant Groupter, while there’s a moving walkway, offering easy passage for visitors. The ‘Okinawa Blue’ tank located nearby has been designed to resemble the Japanese city’s vivid coral reefs, so you’ll find examples of Cardinal Fish, Yellow Parrot Fish and Zebra Fish.
Bumper size
According to the aquarium, its 16-meter-long ‘Shark Tunnel’ is the widest of its kind in the world at six meters. Under the tunnel you’ll be amazed by the variety of shark specimens, including Blacktip Reef, Leopard and Nurse swimming overhead.
The final tank – ‘Similan Cliff’ – includes a small amphitheater, which allows visitors to sit back and enjoy a host of spectacularly colorful corals, sea fans and fishes. The aquarium opens during weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm and from 9 am to 6 pm on weekends.
Entrance to the aquarium is 30 baht for adults and 10 baht for children. The cost for entering the new wing is 150 baht for adults (200 baht for foreigners) and 50 baht for children (100 baht for children).