Sustainable Tourism in Thailand

As one of the world’s top international tourist destinations, Thailand is actively strategizing to transition toward sustainable development. At the heart of this transition are two key national policies: the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model and Community-Based Tourism (CBT), both of which aim to drive environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically viable growth at the local level. To illustrate how these frameworks operate in practice, this presentation examines two major case studies: Ban Na Ton Chan in Sukhothai and Bangsaen in Chonburi. Sukhothai, the historic first capital of Siam, is rich in cultural beauty, with Ban Na Ton Chan serving as a prime example of how to preserve local heritage while building sustainable livelihoods. Meanwhile, Chonburi is a vibrant coastal province and a major economic hub; here, the local community has collaborated with Burapha University International College to creatively develop award-winning local products.