Sustainable Tourism in Thailand
Thailand has been fortunate to benefit from exponential tourist growth. Visitors entering the country have doubled each successive decade since the 70s and now numbers more than 15 million people every year. This is a huge benefit to the Thai economy, bringing in more than $15 billion a year.
Tourism on the Andaman Coast
It is no surprise that tourism on the Andaman coast has been on the rise in recent years. Phuket still remains the runaway leader in the region. However, increasing numbers of visitors are looking further afield for a more enjoyable holiday experience in a less developed area.
These are people who love Thailand, who feel that places like Phuket and Koh Samui have gone too far. Brimming over with 7-11s, McDonalds and Starbucks these destinations lose the underlying culture that once made them so charming. Often the arrival of these chains marks the beginning of the end of the area as many of the distinctive Thai cultural traits get lost in a sea of homogeneity.
Sustainable tourism - an oxymoron?
It does not take a huge stretch of the imagination to wonder whether tourism is ever sustainable. Is the tourist footprint ever a good one?
As visitors look beyond Phuket into Phang Nga we see signs that Thailand must be careful of the long term impact of mass tourism. The temptation to cash in on the tourist boom is all too evident as legions of multinational resorts push through Khao Lak towards our beloved Koh Phra Thong.
So many areas have been irreparably damaged in this way. The bulldozers and pollution slowly destroy the natural habitats. Obviously, the scenery is a prime reason why the tourists come. So with the nature on the wane, the motivation to come is removed and the next wave of tourists never arrive. This remains the irony of eco-tourism.
Luckily there is still hope for Koh Phra Thong...read on to find out more...
Golden Buddha Beach Resort
Golden Buddha Beach Resort is the premier resort on Koh Phra
Thong, offering a range of bespoke houses on an uninhabited stretch of beach; complimented by exquisite Thai and western cuisine for the holiday of a lifetime.
Blue Guru Diving
Blue Guru looks after the water sport activities on Koh Phra Thong. There are sensational scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking experiences on your doorstep. Specially tailored family packages are also available.
Turtle Conservation on KPT
Naucrates.org is an early pioneer of the sustainable tourism practice. Working on Ko Pra Tong since 1996 they have been deeply involved in the conservation of the island's turtle nesting sites and the restoration of mangrove forest.
Homestay at Baan Lions
Baan Lions is a new village at the north tip of Koh Phra Thong. For an interesting cultural experience, try a homestay visit. You will be well looked after by your local hosts who will treat you to tasty Thai favourite dishes (with or without chilis)
Hope for Koh Phra Thong?
The encroachment of mass tourism has yet to reach our shores, but it is not far away. Koh Kho Khao to the south is hitting the brochures, whilst Koh Phayam to the north becomes the newest travellers hotspot. Koh Phra Thong is next on the radar.
Thankfully, we have a community of operators on Koh Phra Thong with an understanding of the pressures of mass tourism. Between us we hope to have the integrity and influence to guide the island to develop in a more sustainable way.
Golden Buddha Beach Resort
- houses all built out of plantation hardwood by local Thai craftsmen
- strict building height restrictions and only 12.5% per one rai plot
- all Thai staff - 90% local to the island -paid a decent wage and holiday pay (very unusual in Thailand)
- ongoing training for staff
- electricity from 6pm - 11pm
- no hot water (you dont need it), no air-con (the sea breeze is fine), no swimming pool (there is a bay with warm clear water next to the resort)
- recycle own and others waste, taking it back to the main land
Naucrates - Conservation Biology
- running community and nature tourism projects on Koh Phra Thong since 1996
- sea turtle monitoring the extensive beaches of Koh Phra Thong between January and April to find and protect nesting sites
- mangrove rehabilitation project to restore depleted areas
- sponsored teacher in Baan Lions school providing education in english and the environment
- Naucrates volunteers based in Baan Lions providing much needed income for the village
- development of homestay program in Baan Lions
Blue Guru Conservation & Diving
- employs from local community
- runs PADI Project Aware and Coral Reef Awareness courses
- registered operator of Whale Shark Project -running extensive whale shark awareness programs during high season
- coral reef monitoring (including clean up) at Koh Pling
- Koh Ra and Koh Phra Thong trekking using paid local guides
- Koh Phra Thong community tours using paid local guides
- program to develop local young dive professionals
