THAILAND: BANGKOK: SIAMESE CATS GO ON SHOW AT MUSEUM
Like 2 Dislike 0 Published on 21 Jul 2015
Thai/Nat
A new feline attraction has opened in Bangkok, as part of the Amazing Thailand attractions scheme to lure in tourists.
The country's royal diamond-eye Siamese cats, famous for their different-coloured eyes, are being bred and shown at a museum set up in the Thai capital.
The museum will not be a permanent fixture because officials are someday hoping to return the creatures to their royal residence.
In the meantime though, cat lovers and ordinary tourists alike are being offered the chance to steal a privileged peek at the striking animals.
The unusual one blue and one yellow-green eye are what make these felines special above all other Siamese varieties.
The "Khao Manee" as it is known locally, became the favourite of Thailand's fourth king, Chulalongkorn, at the beginning of the century.
He entrusted one of his sons, Prince Chumporn, with the task of breeding this type of cat.
Now the fascinating felines are one more in a series of Amazing Thailand attractions, aimed at drawing in the tourists.
It seems to have worked, although the cats' seemingly royal temperament can sometimes make a visit seem less than scintillating for some.
The cats tend to ignore wiggling fingers and rolling balls, giving off a superior air.
At least that's what museum chief Rasmi Nakasem says.
SOUNDBITE: (Thai)
"I feel that this cat, unlike other cats, is a bit like the royal family in its manner. They don't like loud noises, or running around in the dirt. They can be pretty snobby at times."
SUPER CAPTION: Rasmi Nakasem, Museum Manager
The museum opened last Wednesday (August 12th).
It is located in the Pin Klao suburb of Bangkok and is under the direction of the Thai Heritage Preservation Centre, which also handles other animal museums including snakes and crocodiles.
This latest venture is also a working concern - cats are bred are the premises as well as being on show.
The breeding pens can be found tucked away behind the display areas.
Museum officials say they prefer to keep this area away from the cameras, for fear of disturbing the mating process.
The museum itself is tastefully decorated, with period pieces from Chulalongkorn's era dotted about the place.
The picturesque grounds occupy the site on which a restaurant used to stand, and few amenities are offered to visitor - other than the chance to gaze at the cats.
But there are souvenirs to be had.
Museum officials don't expect to stay in business too long, indicating that the cats have not yet reached their final destination.
SOUNDBITE: (Thai)
"After my father retires, we'll return all these cats to the palace. We hope that we can have the Princess take over this project. We think they really belong to the palace."
SUPER CAPTION: Rasmi Nakasem, Museum Manager
Despite their royal stature, these cats do live a fairly ordinary life.
Their food, for instance, might be found in the dish of any ordinary Siamese cat, even outside Thailand.
But they are celebrated as special here in the Kingdom.
And it's hard to deny that they are a handsome variety.
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