Bangkok, 13 December 2024 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proud to support the “30+ Islands Clean-Up: So Cool Mission,” a collaborative initiative by the Thailand Sustainable Islands Alliance (TSIA) aimed at advancing sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
Scheduled for 8-9 June 2025 on Ko Chang, Trat Province, the clean-up coincides with World Oceans Day and the 3rd Thailand Sustainable Island Tourism Symposium. Volunteers and island communities will collaborate to remove marine debris from over 33 islands, covering beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs across Thailand’s Eastern, Gulf, and Andaman coasts.
Key islands include Ko Chang, Ko Kut, Ko Samui, Ko Tao, Ko Lanta, Ko Lipe, and Phuket. The campaign aims to empower communities to manage waste sustainably, transforming marine debris into valuable resources through recycling and fair-trade initiatives.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said ” At TAT, we believe that sustainable tourism is not only about preserving the beauty of our destinations but also about empowering communities to become guardians of their natural heritage. Sustainable tourism thrives when communities and travellers come together to protect our shared heritage. The ‘30+ Islands Clean-Up’ embodies our vision of environmental guardianship and collaboration for a greener future.”
The press launch for the clean-up was held on 4 December 2024 at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT) in Bangkok, where key stakeholders shared insights on marine debris challenges and sustainable solutions. Dr. Wijarn Simachaya, Director of the Thailand Environment Institute, underscored the vulnerability of island ecosystems, while Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of DMCR, revealed that 88% of marine debris in Thailand is plastic, calling for urgent action to protect marine life.
A panel discussion titled “Beyond Islands Clean-Up” featured representatives from organisations such as Trash Hero – Ko Chang, WWF – Ko Samui & Ko Tao, and the Lanta Recycle Club, who shared innovative approaches to waste management and sustainable tourism.
Mr. Jaturon Phakdeewanich, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, remarked “Island communities are at the heart of sustainable tourism. Initiatives like the ‘30+ Islands Clean-Up’ exemplify how collaboration can safeguard natural resources while ensuring the longevity of our tourism sector.”
The clean-up initiative builds on TSIA’s momentum since the launch of the “Ko Tao Declaration” in 2023, which underscored Thailand’s commitment to net-zero carbon tourism. The upcoming Thailand Sustainable Island Tourism Symposium will gather global stakeholders to share innovative solutions and strengthen collaborative efforts.
For more information on the “30+ Islands Clean-Up: So Cool Mission” and related updates, follow the Facebook Pages: The Islands’ Guardian and EcoThailand Foundation.
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