Thai Tigers – Pets, or predators?

Venue: Tiger Temple, Bangkok, Thailand

Yeah! I recently petted a tiger in absolute amusement, but candidly at that moment I missed a heartbeat and contrived a smile for a perfect picture. That moment with the big cats firmly remains etched an integral part of my memoirs.

Upon getting to the Tiger Temple, I was required to sign a disclaimer stating that if I were injured or killed during my visit, I won't hold the  monks or the temple liable for any damages.  Dress code requirements: 1. No red or bright coloured clothing.  2. No flowing skirts or scarves. 3. No clothing made out of materials that produce audible noise. 

We were then escorted to the area where the tigers were laying about in the sun.  There were a few monks at the spot watching over the tigers and also controlling the flow of tourists.  You are permitted to go and pose with  each tiger (crouching beside or sitting next to) and the volunteers move you in an orderly fashion.

My first impression: I was in complete awe about the whole thing.  Even now, when I see my small frame flanked by the enormous 200 kg.+  big cat, it triggers something weird going on, how can they not react at all.  I figured,  and also shared by many, that the tigers were and had to be drugged to stay docile. Just seems impossible that they are not drugged, even though guides around there insist they weren’t.  There is a lot of confusion.

Are we to believe that they don’t have the hunting instincts? Why are these tigers so tolerant of human activity around them?  Perceptions vary.

It is hard to accept that tigers are displayed as tame creatures that could actually be damaging their identity.They are gorgeous, strong and scary.  The spectacle of a few cats, of course the big ones, on chains is a little depressing.  I was thrilled and chilled by the prospect of close contact with big cat and having photographed next to it, an opportunity which I would not have preferred to miss.  

The tigers appear in good health, but there seems to be something missing that they would allow so much human contact.  When asked the guide if the big cats are sedated at the Tiger temple, he told point blank that they had not been administered drugs.  On the contrary, he told that they were brought to the temple as cubs and as such they don’t have the hunting instincts.

Somewhere I wish to reason out that tigers living in harmony with humans doesn’t sound natural.  Tigers shouldn’t be kept as pets, because they aren’t.  Can these ‘pets’  be returned to the wild?  Can they restore the hunting instincts? They are so much conditioned to be around humans. It is challenging to discard the fact that tiger and ferocity can be split.

Many a time when we drive to wild life sanctuaries in Karnataka - Kabini, Nagarhole, Bandipur….to have a glimpse of “animal sighting”, we don’t even sight the big cat’s footmarks.  The jungle lodges staff would mindlessly convince us that they sighted the wild animal “only the previous day”.   Well, when compared to such experiences, a visit to the Thailand Tiger Temple comprehensively erases your “failed” memories.

Again, though at the risk of being redundant, are the big cats in the Temple really drugged?  I hope and wish it is wrong.   Well, the debate gets endless.

These cats are, doubtlessly, a highly-sought-after-tourist-attraction.

http://kmurthy608.blogspot.in/2013/12/siam-niramit-thai-celebration.html

SIAM NIRAMIT, a Thai celebration

SIAM NIRAMIT, a Thai celebration

Iniitially I thought it was going to be a dull and utterly uninteresting evening and a potential time-stealer at that.  Though I grudgingly escorted my wife, it ultimately turned out to be an astonishing exposure. It was more than a movie, more than a drama, more than an opera. That was SIAM NIRAMIT, Bangkok, Thailand – a spectacular world-class show.

The name of the show and the name of the theatre is SIAM NIRAMIT. The 80-minute captivating journey (without intermission) unfolds the history and heritage, arts and culture of Thailand (formerly known as SIAM) that have descended through centuries.  SIAM NIRAMIT is the name of the same village created to introduce the traveller to basic Thai living and practices. The show comprehensively makes a splendid celebration of Thai culture. The lavish display has been designed with both locals and foreigners in mind.

The stage show depicts the Thai culture from its inception, comprised of three Acts.

ACT 1 – “Journey Back into History” where you see cross-roads of civilizations.

ACT 2 – “Journey Beyond Imagination” – “Hell” and “Heaven” are staged to perfection with stupendous special effects and human forms being tortured and burned by demons. 

ACT 3 – “Journey through Joyous Festivals”

The decors and background is so enticing that each Act is taking you into another travel to discover the hidden face of Thailand. Special mention is a must on the stage scenery which is simply breathtaking, the spectacular costumes and the set employed  with dazzling  technology that makes the event a truly state-of-the-art production.  Live elephants, stunts, magical illusion, bringing rains, floating angels. hell and heaven on the stage …..  The attention to details, costumes, colourful atmosphere, the background score ….. The stage-preparedness and the lighting and visual effects are sure to leave you mesmerised for long. 

Interestingly, the performers include artists and animals. Don’t be surprised when real elephants come and walk past your seat like it is nothing. A stage that is so large that it makes elephants look small and goats tiny. The performers coming from the side or behind the audience appends glitter to the event.

The amazing elements include a river streaming through the stage along with elephants, goats and chickens.  The dancers plunge in the rivers.

While the vibrance of the show is overwhelming, don’t look for a plot or a dialogue. Just watch the show, you won’t notice the time.  The show is, wherever required, translated in English.  Even if you do not understand any language, it is not a problem. Although there is not only any  talking done by  the actors, the messages are clearly conveyed through such outstanding performing skills and theatre effects. Random people from audience were invited upstage to join the performance. Simply unique!

The stage is huge, the actors are in a big number.  What is fascinating is though about 150 artists and scores of animals performed,  it is not possible to pick any one hero or heroine.  Such was the professionalism and coordination.  Thumbs up to the production team!  I  cannot imagine how the stage and background change in split seconds.  I doubt whether it would have been possible to maintain the incredible pace of set and costume changes throughout.  No wonder the stage is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Thailand is not only bars and beaches, nor only temples and massage parlors.  This live show definitely enriches the visitor a bit more of Thailand.  The effort to make the show realistic was met.

As we got to the spot early, we had time to walk around the cultural village and experience and observe local people’s lifestyle.  We could listen to local music and watch “bamboo” dance.

A truly memorable evening , well worth the time and price.  Any time you contemplate a visit to Bangkok, make SIAM NIRAMIT a compelling part of your itinerary. Go with family and friends and entertain an evening to remember.  Don’t give a miss!

Note:

No pictures are allowed and cameras have to be checked. 

The entry ticket price ranges between 1000 BHT to 2000 BHT depending on your contacts and bargaining skills.

http://kmurthy608.blogspot.in/2014/01/thai-tigers-pets-or-predators.html