Chalong Municipality of Phuket has shut down the snake show where a Chinese tourist was bitten on her nose by a reticulated python on Saturday.
The closure followed an inspection of the facilities operated by the Phuket Biotechnology Institute, which failed to present valid permits for operating a snake show or for building renovations, according to Chalong Deputy Mayor Chettanasak Lukchan.
“We have advised them to get the two permits and [General Manager] Kritiporn said her company will do it as soon as possible. At this time we ordered them to shut down the snake show until they have supplied the permits,” Chettanasak said.
The venue sells herbal medicinal herbs and snake venom products, alongside the free snake show.
“Overall the area is equipped with safety equipment and procedures but I believed the incident happened because of recklessness of the animal caretaker who failed to take precautions when handling this wild animal,” he added.
The officials also vowed to inspect other animal shows on the resort island.
“Many animal shows in the Chalong area such as the dolphin show and crocodile show will get a visit from us soon to stress safety issues and incident prevention,” the mayor said.
The company offered THB135,000 compensation to the Chinese woman who was bitten after she tried to kiss a snake during the show.
Story: The Phuket News
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