Thailand Launches Trekking School to Promote Sustainable Eco-Tourism
Thailand launched a nationwide Trekking School program at Khao Yai National Park to train hikers in sustainable practices and Leave No Trace principles, addressing rising safety risks and environmental damage from growing numbers of inadequ
Thailand's Department of National Parks unveiled the 'Trekking School' at Khao Yai National Park on July 31, designed to elevate eco-tourism standards in accordance with the Leave No Trace principle. Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin officially launched the program titled "Trekking School—First Steps Into the Forest With Understanding," administered by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation. The school aims to address environmental impacts, prevent accidents, and instill proper knowledge, skills, and attitudes in nature trekkers before they enter protected forest areas. Minister Suchat emphasized that responsible trekking extends beyond tourist safety to encompass responsibility for forests and wildlife that everyone must help protect. The Trekking School will serve as a crucial foundation for imparting correct knowledge and values to both officials and tourists, enabling Thailand's nature tourism to develop sustainably alongside resource conservation.
According to Saiyasudjai Sunchaowariddhi, head of the National Parks Division, hiking within national parks has grown increasingly popular, yet rising numbers of inadequately trained trekkers have created safety risks, accidents, litter accumulation, and ecosystem disruption. In response, the department has established ten Trekking Schools nationwide under the environment minister's policy to develop hiking instructors equipped with proper knowledge, skills, and attitudes aligned with Leave No Trace principles. These schools will expand into ecological learning centers at national parks and forests throughout the country, transforming casual tourists into responsible trekkers.
Beyond promoting sustainable tourism, the Department of National Parks plans to expand its Trekking School network across national parks and forests nationwide to raise standards for Thailand's nature tourism at both national and international levels, ensuring valuable natural resources are preserved for future generations.
