Thailand Shines on the Global Stage! The Department of Tourism Delighted as “Doi Phu Kha National Park – Takua Pa Old Town” Wins the Green Destinations Awards 2026 for Sustainability.

 

The Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, extends its congratulations to two Thai tourist destinations that have received international certification under the Green Destinations Awards 2026 for sustainable tourism standards. Doi Phu Kha National Park in Nan Province was honored with the Silver Award, while Takua Pa Old Town in Phang Nga Province received the Bronze Award. The awards were presented at ITB Berlin 2026, a leading global tourism trade fair held in Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany. This achievement marks another significant milestone, reflecting the Department of Tourism’s success in developing and elevating Thai tourist destinations to meet internationally recognized standards on the global stage. 

Ms. Natthriya Thaweevong Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Sports, together with Jaturon Phakdeewanit, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, took the stage at the Green Destinations Awards in Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany, to congratulate Thailand’s tourist destinations on receiving awards recognizing their outstanding achievement in sustainable destination management. Doi Phu Kha National Park received the Silver Award, marking Thailand’s second Silver medal (following Chiang Khan in Loei Province in 2023). The park was recognized for its inspiring initiative titled “From Tourist to Forest Guardian: The Trekking School Reviving the Natural Life of Doi Phu Kha,” which aims to cultivate awareness among visitors by transforming their roles from mere tourists into learners and forest stewards.Meanwhile, Takua Pa Old Town was awarded the Bronze Award, becoming the first destination in Thailand to receive recognition at this level. The award highlights its compelling story, “Takua Pa Old Town: From a Mining Town to a Sustainable Historical and Cultural Tourism Destination,” showcasing its journey from a tin-mining hub to a sustainably managed heritage site.

Mr. Jaturon Phakdeewanich, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, stated: “Over the past several years, the Department of Tourism has continuously promoted and developed tourist destinations in accordance with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC). Last year, the Department also began driving a key initiative, the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030, in collaboration with a network of more than 50 organizations. The plan aims to support Thai tourist destinations and entrepreneurs in all dimensions — including knowledge development, consultancy services, and the establishment of improvement guidelines through the Thailand Green Coach network.This network serves as a key mechanism in helping many destinations meet the Department of Tourism’s Thailand Good Travel standards, ultimately enabling them to achieve recognition and receive awards at the global level.”

“The Department of Tourism is proud to be part of this significant achievement. We will continue to expand the development of tourist destinations and tourism entrepreneurs nationwide to meet international standards, in order to strengthen Thailand’s image as a high-quality destination for travelers from around the world,” the Director-General of the Department of Tourism concluded.