Six destinations in Thailand have been honored by the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories initiative, a global program recognizing communities making significant strides in environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and responsible tourism. The recognized locations—Wiang Phu Phiang Chae Haeng, U Thong Ancient City, Songkhla City, Chiang Khan, Uthai Thani’s floating house community, and Hua Hin—demonstrate diverse efforts in sustainable development.
Wiang Phu Phiang Chae Haeng, located in Nan province, received recognition for reviving the traditional Hok Peng Festival, a move aimed at promoting tourism throughout the year. U Thong Ancient City, formerly the heart of the ancient Dvaravati Kingdom, transformed a former mining area into a Buddhist park, positioning itself as a historical attraction. Similarly, Songkhla City was commended for preserving its heritage through storytelling initiatives and is actively pursuing UNESCO World Heritage status.
Chiang Khan, a town celebrated for its wooden houses, launched an innovative breakfast voucher program that encourages visitors to dine at local restaurants, contributing directly to the community’s economy. Meanwhile, Uthai Thani’s floating house community, with a 400-year history of riverside living, has focused on preserving its unique culture despite difficulties brought on by recurring droughts. Hua Hin, Thailand’s oldest beach resort town, was recognized for its community-driven waste management initiative, which aims to achieve zero waste.
These locations exemplify how local communities across Thailand are balancing tourism growth with cultural preservation and environmental protection. The global recognition will culminate at the Green Destinations Global Conference 2024 in Chile, followed by further acknowledgment at the ITB Berlin event in March 2025.
Officials attending the announcement emphasized that these achievements reflect the value of community-led initiatives in sustainable tourism development, with local leaders playing a key role in driving these projects forward.
