Garment retailing and manufacturing company Pena House Group is looking to make the most of Thailand’s tourism economy by developing a new Camel Republic attraction in the region of Cha-am.

The group recently established Pena Property Development to operate Camel Republic, which is to be located opposite the Santorini Amusement and Water Park.

The site will be split into three zones, covering animal displays, amusement rides and shopping facilities.

The Baht 300m (£5.5m, €6.7m, US$9.2m) project will allow visitors to ride the camels, while also making use of a number of other exhibits and attractions at the site.

The company has imported between eight and 10 camels from South Africa, which will be trained to service customers. Other animals on show are to include goats, carp, Mandarin ducks and deer.

Camel Republic will also feature outside rides, including a zero-gravity offering, a 'Mini Dance' attraction, a simulator, a 'Drop’N’Twist Tower' and a 30-metre zipline.

Pena House believes that the attraction will be able to bring in around 900,000 visitors after each year of operation, with Camel Republic breaking even within five years.

A soft opening is planned for 28 March, with a full opening expected in June later this year.