Bold Leap: 7 Thai Villages Shine on Global ESG Stage

Village to the World: 7 Thai Communities Lead ESG Tourism Push

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), along with the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and private partners, has launched Village to the World, a programme to showcase local communities as models for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.

This initiative promotes sustainable tourism as part of Thailand’s long-term development strategy. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool called it “a new approach to sustainable growth—driven by communities, supported by businesses, and focused on real results.”

Under the “ESG Partnership for Impact” model, SET-listed companies are paired with seven communities across five provinces to jointly create projects that balance economic, social, and environmental benefits:

• Chiang Mai: AIS supports digital skills in Mae Soon Noi and Doi Wiang.

• Nan: SCG and Yournique promote circular economy projects in Pa Laeo Luang.

• Phitsanulok: BAFS Links Agriculture and Tourism in Ban Mung Nuea.

• Chon Buri: Ban Amphoe community works on marine waste solutions.

• Lampang: Thai AirAsia and the Department of Cultural Promotion create new cultural tourism routes in Tha Ma-O and Pong Sanuk.

These pilot communities aim to become models for “local-first sustainability” through business-community partnerships, potentially inspiring similar projects nationwide.

The programme also marks a shift from traditional charity models to shared-value partnerships that build long-term impact. Travel platforms and airlines, such as Thai AirAsia, Gother, and SiamRise, are also supporting the initiative to make these communities more accessible to visitors.