Village to the World: Thai Communities Step onto the Global ESG Stage

Thailand

The “Village to the World” initiative is redefining sustainable development in Thailand by placing local communities at the forefront of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) transformation.

Spearheaded by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in partnership with the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and private-sector collaborators, the programme showcases how community-led tourism can deliver tangible and lasting impact.

At the official launch, TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated: “Village to the World is more than a tourism project. It is a new blueprint for Thailand’s sustainable development — powered by community, backed by business, and measured by real impact.” The event brought together leading figures including Dr. Soraphol Tulayasathien (SET), Mr. Issara Riutrakulpaiboon (Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Tourism), representatives of listed companies, community leaders, and members of the press.

Central to the initiative is the concept of ESG Partnership for Impact, which matches SET-listed corporations with seven prototype communities in five provinces. These partnerships are designed to co-develop models that deliver balanced economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social empowerment.

In Chiang Mai, AIS supports digital upskilling in the Mae Soon Noi and Doi Wiang communities. In Nan, SCG and Yournique advance circular economy practices with the Pa Laeo Luang community. In Phitsanulok, BAFS helps Ban Mung Nuea integrate agriculture, public safety, and sustainable tourism. The Ban Amphoe community in Chon Buri focuses on long-term marine waste solutions, while in Lampang, Thai AirAsia and the Department of Cultural Promotion are developing new cultural tourism routes with the Tha Ma-O and Pong Sanuk communities.

These seven pilot communities are set to become national models of “Sustainability that Starts at the Local,” demonstrating the power of public-private collaboration. Their progress is expected to inspire similar efforts across the country, turning community-based tourism into a scalable, high-impact platform for national development.

Importantly, this programme marks a shift from traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) to a Shared Value approach — not just giving back, but building forward. Each initiative draws on local strengths, with the ambition to expand into nationally relevant sustainability solutions.

To further amplify impact, the campaign is supported by leading travel platforms and airlines, including Gother, Local Alike, Yournique, SiamRise, Friday Trip, Guide Guru, and Thai AirAsia, making these communities more accessible and attractive to travellers around the world.