Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Stock Exchange of Thailand and private partners drive sustainable economic transformation through community-led tourism.
Village to the World #SustainableAgenda takes centre stage as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and private sector partners, launches an initiative to turn local communities into living, breathing examples of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in action.
Anchored in TAT’s core strategy, the programme positions sustainable tourism as a key driver of Thailand’s long-term development. “Village to the World is more than a tourism project. It is a new blueprint for Thailand’s sustainable development — powered by community, backed by business, and measured by real impact,” said Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor.
Presided over by Ms. Thapanee, the official launch brought together key leaders including Dr. Soraphol Tulayasathien representing SET, Mr. Issara Riutrakulpaiboon of the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Tourism, senior executives from listed companies, community representatives, and the media.
The initiative aligns local development with business objectives under a strong ESG framework. Through the concept ESG Partnership for Impact, SET-listed companies are matched with seven prototype communities across five provinces to co-create models that deliver balanced economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
In Chiang Mai, AIS supports digital skill-building in the Mae Soon Noi and Doi Wiang communities. In Nan, SCG and Yournique advance upstream circular economy models in the Pa Laeo Luang community. In Phitsanulok, BAFS helps the Ban Mung Nuea community connect agriculture, safety, and sustainable tourism. Chon Buri’s Ban Amphoe community focuses on long-term marine waste solutions. Meanwhile, in Lampang, Thai AirAsia and the Department of Cultural Promotion develop new cultural tourism routes in the Tha Ma-O and Pong Sanuk communities.
These seven communities are poised to become national models of “Sustainability that Starts at the Local” through public-private collaboration. Their progress is expected to spark similar efforts nationwide, proving that community-led tourism can grow into a strategic platform for long-term, high-impact partnerships.
The programme marks a shift from traditional CSR to Shared Value — moving beyond giving back to building forward. Each initiative is rooted in local potential, with the aim of scaling to national-level sustainability.
TAT’s campaign is also supported by leading travel platforms and airlines, including Gother, Local Alike, Yournique, SiamRise, Friday Trip, Guide Guru, and Thai AirAsia, making these communities more accessible to travellers worldwide.
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
