TAT Supports “30+ Islands Clean-Up: So Cool Mission” for Sustainable Island Tourism

In a powerful show of unity for environmental stewardship, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proud to support the “30+ Islands Clean-Up: So Cool Mission.” This important initiative, led by the Thailand Sustainable Islands Alliance (TSIA), is designed to foster sustainable tourism and protect the natural beauty of Thailand’s islands. Set for June 8-9, 2025, on Ko Chang in Trat Province, the clean-up aligns with World Oceans Day and the third Thailand Sustainable Island Tourism Symposium.

Volunteers from around the world, along with local island communities, will come together to tackle marine debris across over 33 islands. The initiative spans Thailand’s Eastern, Gulf, and Andaman coasts, including key destinations like Ko Chang, Ko Kut, Ko Samui, Ko Tao, Ko Lanta, Ko Lipe, and Phuket. The goal is to clear beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs of harmful waste while educating and empowering communities to embrace sustainable waste management practices.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, expressed her support, stating, “At TAT, we believe sustainable tourism is not just about preserving the beauty of our destinations but empowering local communities to become the guardians of their natural heritage. This collaboration between communities and travellers is key to ensuring the long-term health of our island ecosystems.”

The press launch of the clean-up campaign was held on December 4, 2024, at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand in Bangkok. Stakeholders discussed the urgent need to combat marine debris, particularly plastic, which constitutes 88% of Thailand’s marine waste. Dr. Wijarn Simachaya from the Thailand Environment Institute highlighted the fragility of island ecosystems, while Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), called for swift action to safeguard marine life.

In addition to the clean-up, the event will feature the Thailand Sustainable Island Tourism Symposium, where global tourism and environmental leaders will share ideas and solutions for sustainable island tourism. A panel discussion, “Beyond Islands Clean-Up,” will also feature organizations like Trash Hero, WWF, and Lanta Recycle Club, all offering innovative approaches to waste management.

This year’s clean-up builds on the momentum created by TSIA’s “Ko Tao Declaration” in 2023, which reinforced Thailand’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon tourism. As the event continues to grow, the focus is on creating a lasting impact that not only preserves Thailand’s islands but also ensures that sustainable tourism practices remain at the heart of the country’s future tourism industry.

For more details on the “30+ Islands Clean-Up: So Cool Mission,” or to stay up-to-date on upcoming initiatives, follow the Facebook pages of The Islands’ Guardian and EcoThailand Foundation.