Thailand Launches Hiking Instructor School at Khao Yai National Park
Thailand opened a hiking instructor school at Khao Yai National Park to train conservation-focused guides and promote sustainable tourism practices across its national parks.
On July 31, 2026, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin officially opened the 'Hiking School—First Steps into the Forest with Understanding' project at Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The program aims to elevate Thailand's nature tourism while supporting conservation efforts, building a nationwide network of 'conservation hiking instructors,' and promoting the 'Leave No Trace' philosophy as standard practice among Thai travelers.
Minister Suchat emphasized that the government prioritizes natural resource conservation alongside sustainable tourism development. He noted that creating quality tourists and knowledgeable staff is essential for long-term forest protection. The hiking school will instill knowledge, skills, and conservation awareness among both officials and the public to ensure sustainable growth in nature tourism.
According to Parks Department Director Arthapol Jarangchantrasaan, hiking popularity has surged but many trail users lack proper knowledge and skills, leading to accidents, litter, and ecosystem disruption. The hiking school addresses this by training staff as 'conservation hiking instructors' capable of effectively teaching tourists about environmental responsibility.
In fiscal year 2026, the Parks Department completed five training courses with 175 graduates and allocated funding to establish 'Hiking Schools' in 133 national parks and 20 forest parks nationwide. Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's first national park and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, serves as the pilot model before expanding to parks throughout the country, with the goal of raising Thailand's nature tourism standards to international levels and making 'Leave No Trace' a universal practice among all visitors.
