BANGKOK — Thailand took a bold step toward sustainable tourism transformation at the Mainstreaming Biodiversity-Based Tourism in Thailand: Policy, Practice, and Partnership Forum, hosted by the Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (BEDO) on June 12, 2025, at the Centara Life Government Complex. Organized in collaboration with UNDP Thailand and supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the forum brought together leading voices, changemakers, and innovators committed to reimagining tourism as a driver of biodiversity conservation and inclusive community development.
The forum was officially opened by Mrs. Suwanna Tiansuwan, Director-General of BEDO, who spoke passionately about the need to position biodiversity at the heart of sustainable economic development.
H.E. Dr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Former Minister of Tourism and Sports and Vice-chair of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee, delivered a powerful and visionary keynote address. Widely respected as one of the leading voices for sustainable tourism in Thailand, Dr. Weerasak shared insights drawn from years of public service and policy leadership.
"Tourism is a tool, not a target," he emphasized, calling for a shift toward low-impact, high-value tourism that genuinely benefits local communities and protects ecosystems. His words resonated deeply with the audience.
Designing for Outcomes, Not Just Arrivals
The morning’s first panel explored strategic tourism planning and policy. Moderated by Mr. Rachai Cholsindusongkramchai (MBT Project Manager, BEDO), it featured insights from Athuek Prasenmun (Department of Tourism), Siripakorn Cheawsamoot (DASTA), Preeda Sukjai (Deputy Provincial Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan), Martin Venzky-Stalling (JFCCT, Ennova), and Robert Steele (Systainability Asia). Martin shared insights on transitioning to high-value tourism models that use tourism income to sustain—and even regenerate—natural ecosystems while supporting local communities, saying “The GSTC standards offer valuable guidance for destination management. Biodiversity credits and green finance mechanisms can complement tourism revenue to protect natural habitats and support communities.”
In the second panel, “Awareness Raising, Incentivizing Change & Scaling Biodiversity-Based Tourism”, Carol Liew, Managing Director of the ECCA Family Foundation, added a grounded yet aspirational perspective. “Tourism can protect biodiversity and strengthen livelihoods—but only if it’s community-led, low-impact, and deeply rooted in local cultures.”
She shared two powerful project stories:
In Ban Muang Noi, Pai Seedings Foundation is helping hilltribe farmers shift from monoculture farming to regenerative agriculture - while building a homestay model that shares both food systems and cultural heritage as supplementary income to support this transition.
In the south, the Thai Sea Witch Foundation is helping coastal fishing communities lead marine conservation efforts - linking these to sustainable tourism and environmental education.
Khun Wanvipa Phanumat, Chief Operating Officer of Local Alike, shared how their organization has helped transform rural communities across Thailand through regenerative, low-impact travel experiences co-designed with local stakeholders.
But Fellow panelist Khun Suthep reminded us it took over a decade to shape Ban Tham Suea into today’s thriving homestay community. Communities need time to see value in what they already have, and to build pride by telling their own stories, in their own words.
Significant Shifts and Trends
Assumption University's Dr. Scott Smith noted the evolution of tourism language—from “good” to “responsible,” “sustainable,” “regenerative,” and now “transformative.” This shift, he explained, reflects how traveler’s values have deepened over the years. He encouraged attendees to look beyond headcounts and rethink tourism metrics: “We no longer ask how many tourists came—we ask who benefited, and who was left behind.”
He illustrated this transformation with the Rainforest Rising program at YAANA Venture's Anurak Lodge, situated on the edge of Khao Sok National Park, where visitors help replant native trees, giving back to the ecosystem they’re enjoying. He also emphasized that today’s travelers are vocal, and want to align their trips with values—authenticity, community well-being, and environmental accountability.
A Shared Vision for Thailand’s Tourism Future
Tourism can uplift—or it can undermine. It depends on how we design it. A good place to visit must first be a good place to live. This isn’t a slogan—it’s a strategy.
With participation from local communities, policymakers, NGOs, and academics, the BEDO forum advanced a unified vision for a more inclusive and environmentally responsible tourism sector. It was an honor for AU to contribute to this important dialogue and to stand beside leaders committed to a more sustainable and equitable future.
