Phuket Old Town Sets the Bar for Thailand’s First Carbon-Neutral Historic Area

Phuket

Phuket, a tropical paradise known for its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture, is now positioning itself as a leader in sustainability. The island’s historic Old Town is the first area in Thailand to embark on a bold mission: carbon neutrality by 2030. This pioneering project, launched in November 2024, promises to transform Phuket Old Town into an international model for sustainable tourism and environmental responsibility.

A Vision for Carbon-Neutral Tourism

The Phuket Old Town Carbon Neutrality 2030 initiative, backed by the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) and supported by both public and private sectors, is setting ambitious goals to reduce the area’s carbon footprint by 50% by the year 2030. The project is endorsed by Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, which recognizes the potential for Phuket to serve as a trailblazer in the nation’s broader efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.

Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, president of STDF, explained, "Phuket’s Old Town was chosen because of its unique fusion of local community life and tourism. The local residents have shown great willingness to engage in this project, which is vital for its success."

Innovative Measures to Cut Emissions

The heart of this initiative is its multi-faceted approach to reducing carbon emissions. Key strategies include the introduction of electric public transport, such as a new EV bus line around the Old Town, in collaboration with Phuket Smart Bus. This will replace traditional gasoline-powered buses, helping to cut down on air pollution and carbon emissions in the area.

Another crucial aspect is improving waste management. Phuket’s Old Town has adopted better waste segregation practices, with an emphasis on recycling. A new organic waste composter has been installed at the Golden Dragon Monument, designed to reduce the area’s dependency on landfills. This composter will process organic waste from Old Town, reducing landfill contributions by at least 400 kg daily, significantly helping to minimize waste and methane emissions.

Artificial intelligence (AI) also plays a pivotal role in this project. Integrated CCTV systems, installed by the Big Data Institute (BDI), track vehicle numbers and types, as well as pedestrian traffic, to assess the carbon emissions from human activity and transport. This data, collected in real-time, helps to fine-tune the strategies to reduce emissions, giving the initiative an edge in precision and effectiveness.

Local Collaboration for Global Impact

Phuket’s commitment to carbon neutrality is not just about local efforts—it’s also about creating an example for the rest of Thailand and the world. The project has already drawn attention from global organizations, including the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), with plans to certify Phuket as a sustainable tourism destination. The ongoing sustainability audit is expected to produce results in January 2025, a crucial step in Phuket’s journey toward global recognition.

In addition to this, Phuket is set to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC2026) in May 2026, expected to bring over 700 participants from around the world. This event will showcase the ongoing projects in the Old Town, including the carbon neutrality initiative, and further cement the city’s position as a global leader in sustainable tourism.

A Model for the Future

Phuket Old Town’s carbon neutrality project stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change. By integrating advanced technology, fostering community engagement, and promoting eco-friendly transport and waste management, the project is setting an example for other destinations to follow. Bhummikitti emphasized, "Achieving carbon neutrality involves reducing emissions as much as possible, then compensating through activities like tree planting. It’s a comprehensive approach that will have lasting positive effects on the environment."

Phuket’s Old Town is not only preserving its rich cultural heritage but is also shaping a future where tourism and environmental sustainability go hand in hand. With these groundbreaking initiatives and international collaboration, this historic area is leading the way for a greener, more sustainable future in tourism.

As travelers increasingly seek destinations that prioritize sustainability, Phuket Old Town’s commitment to carbon neutrality could inspire other regions around the world to take similar steps. The island’s model proves that even the most popular tourist destinations can make a difference when it comes to the planet’s well-being. By 2030, Phuket Old Town could very well be the epitome of a sustainable tourism destination—one that protects both its rich history and the environment.
Web: https://mekongtourism.org/