The Responsible Thailand Awards highlight the Thailand-based individuals and organisations who champion responsible tourism. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (UK & Ireland), the Awards began in the early 2000s. The winners and runners-up of the 2024 Awards were announced at a special event during World Travel Market in London in November 2024.
Responsible Animal Welfare
Winner: Elephant Hills, Khao Sok
The team at Elephant Hills has a proven track record for animal welfare, but they haven’t rested on their laurels. Adhering to strict ABTA guidelines, they continue to ensure the highest standards of care for elephants and human safety.
The enhanced veterinary and specialised care programs for senior elephants were particularly impressive. It was also good to see that the welfare of the mahouts who look after the elephants is prioritised which in turn helps the elephants.
Elephant Hills has not stopped evolving its responsible approach to its care of elephants and its commitment to education, conservation and local communities is a great example. All this is being achieved whilst their commercial model is highly successful proving that responsible tourism is good for business too.
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Runner-up: Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary
Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary’s health check monitoring system that ensures the well-being of elephants is excellent. The judges also noted the sanctuary’s enhanced transparency with visitors able to see via an online platform where the funds go. Noteworthy too were the educational programs to raise awareness amongst children and adults alike about animal welfare.
Location | Website
Responsible Community Tourism
Winner: Bang Rong Community-Based Tourism, Phuket
An outstanding nomination that wowed all the judges and a deserved winner of the Award. Located in Phuket and led by local women, Bang Rong Community-Based Tourism is a beacon of community-driven change and innovation.
Bang Rong CBT is a wonderful example of the positive impact of community-based tourism. Bang Rong prioritises and supports local culture in various ways including fun workshops on traditional crafts, storytelling, and local food.
The judges particularly liked the promotion of Bang Rong’s Muslim culture by integrating it into tourism products. 10% of the tourism profits are put back into community projects such as supporting local football teams, hospitals, mosques, and providing assistance to the elderly.
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Runner-up: Ad Lib, Khon Kaen
Another excellent nomination in this category and a great example for other hotels to follow, the judges love the way Ad Lib promotes and supports Isaan culture. Through initiatives like the ‘Explore Khon Kaen’ program together with practical support for local artists and musicians, Ad Lib shows what is possible when you work hand-in-hand with the local community.
Location | Website
Responsible Conservation
Winner: Khaolak Merlin Resort
Khaolak Merlin Resort impressed with its various conservation programs including its partnerships with Love Wildlife Conservation and Big Trees Project. The judges particularly liked the strength of this family-run eco-resort’s education and research programs. This involves impressive work with the slow loris population and an annual biodiversity survey of over 200 species of animals in the vicinity of the resort.
Khaolak Merlin successfully demonstrated an array of achievements during the judging period which included sourcing 80% of food locally, composting waste, recycling initiatives, and a reduction in single-use plastics. Their plans in 2025 for a Nature Lab to be set up with a resident biologist are also exciting and inspiring.
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Runner-up: Anurak Community Lodge, Khao Sok
Anurak Community Lodge encourages guests to support conservation. This can be through simple measures like using refillable glass water bottles and refillable soap and shampoo dispensers in the rooms.
Anurak also supports larger conservation projects with the judges commending the partnership with Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU). This involves replacing oil palm with indigenous species in addition to establishing a forest nursery. Guests are also offered the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint through the tree reforestation program.
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Responsible Local Guide
Winner: Wipaporn ‘Wi’ Ord (All Points East)
Wi has a 25-year history of commitment to promoting off-the-beaten-track Thailand and has consistently shown a truly responsible approach to guiding in Thailand. In addition, Wi has been a wonderful example to all with her volunteer work in tourism and sport, and her support for a kindergarten in a village in Chiang Rai province where most of the inhabitants are impoverished hill-tribe families (Akha and Lisu) and Shan refugees from across the border in Burma.
The judges were heartened by the testimonials from clients Wi has guided. This was one of numerous examples:
“Wi is a great advocate for Thailand and so obviously enjoys taking visitors on cultural and culinary adventures. She is keen to make sure that visitors see the authentic Thailand. We used local transport, stayed in local hotels and ate in local restaurants and cafes. Her insight and local knowledge meant that I had the most amazing experiences.”
Runner-up: Waewtawin Vichetthammasak (Khiri Travel)
The judges were impressed with the approach of Waewtawin and Khiri Travel. Waewtawin says:
“One of the aspects of guiding with Khiri that I most enjoy is the company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism. Khiri’s vision aligns with my own values. I appreciate the company’s dedication to supporting local communities and minimising environmental impact.
Working with a team of passionate individuals who share this commitment is inspiring. Khiri’s emphasis on responsible tourism practices creates a positive and meaningful experience for our clients and the communities we visit.”
Responsible Tourism Accommodation
Winner: Anurak Community Lodge, Khao Sok
Anurak Community Lodge submitted highly commended nominations in several categories. There was strong competition for the Tourism Accommodation Award and the judges were delighted to select Anurak as the winner.
The judges liked Anurak’s clearly defined, measurable Sustainability Management Plan and their Lodge Environmental Policy. The judging panel was especially impressed with the ‘Rainforest Rising’ program in collaboration with the local forestry department and the Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU) from Chiang Mai University. Not just a delightful place to stay, but one that truly supports the local community and a worthy winner of the Award.
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Runner-up: Nan Boutique Hotel
In a category full of excellent nominations, Nan Boutique Hotel impressed all the judges with their ongoing support for responsible tourism. Their commitment to employing local staff, using local products, and offering opportunities to local students is a great example for others. The hotel’s ‘Love Green Hospitality, Love Nan’ initiative has been inspirational as has the introduction of the ‘Nan Grows Green Group’ which has garnered support from dozens of hotels and other businesses in the region.
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