Department of Tourism Leads Thai Delegation to Green Destinations Global Conference 2026

Thai Destinations Receive 3 Awards and 16 Are Selected for Top 100 Stories

Advancing the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030 for Sustainable Tourism

Kranj, Slovenia, 30 October 2026 – Mr. Jaturon Phakdeewanit, Director-General of the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, assigned Ms. Worateera Suwannasorn, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Tourism, and Mr. Athuek Prasenmoon, Director of the Tourist Attraction Development Division, to lead the Thai delegation to the Green Destinations Global Conference 2026, held in Kranj from 27 to 29 October 2026. Three Thai destinations received Green Destinations Awards, while 16 were selected for the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026.

This achievement reflects collaboration among agencies under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports: the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization). Together, they promote and raise the standards of Thai destinations to support their recognition internationally. The destinations are as follows:

Destinations receiving Green Destinations Awards (3)

Koh Tao, Surat Thani
Mae Puem National Park, Phayao
Uthai Thani Old Town, Uthai Thani

Destinations selected for the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026 (16)

Supported by the Department of Tourism (9 destinations):

Mae Hong Son City, Mae Hong Son
Ban Chiang, Udon Thani
Bang Rong-Pa Khlok, Phuket
Khun Khan National Park, Chiang Mai
Mae Wang National Park, Chiang Mai
Koh Tao, Surat Thani
Phetchaburi Old Town, Phetchaburi
Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan
Takua Pa Old Town, Phang Nga

Co-supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (1 destination):

Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai

Co-supported by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) (6 destinations):

Chiang Khan, Loei
Nan Living Old City, Nan
Mueang Kao Sukhothai, Sukhothai
U Thong Ancient City, Suphan Buri
Ban Amphur Community, Chon Buri
Takhian Tia Community, Chon Buri

Participation in the conference is another signal of the potential of Thai destinations and tourism businesses to develop sustainable practices and bring their work to wider international attention.

In her address, Ms. Worateera Suwannasorn, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Tourism, outlined Thailand’s direction for tourism development towards 2030: raising quality and standards, promoting environmental and social responsibility, and strengthening Thailand’s position in global tourism. The plan also contributes to accelerating this transition by connecting sustainability goals with partners’ work and local action, helping give development clearer direction and continuity. Progress on the international stage depends on joint action and ongoing monitoring.

The participation aligns with the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030, which aims to turn sustainability goals into action at the local level. It draws on a network of more than 50 partners from government, the private sector and non-governmental organizations, as well as international partners including Travelife for Tour Operators and Green Destinations.

Progress presented at the conference included the development of 45 Master Coaches and 344 Green Coaches; 214 participants in the Thailand Good Travel reporting system and process; and 34 recipients of the Thailand Good Travel Mark. In addition, the initiative supported destinations in entering the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2026 selection process and tourism businesses and communities in entering the Good Travel Stories Competition 2026, with 31 entries across the two programmes.

The Department of Tourism will continue its international cooperation to build the capacity of Thai tourism businesses and destinations, exchange good practices, and support tourism that creates value for communities while protecting nature and culture. The aim is for Thai tourism to grow in quality, be environmentally friendly, and be prepared to respond to change.