Responsible Thailand Awards 2023

Now in its 15th year, the Responsible Thailand Awards shine a light on the individuals and organisations that are actively supporting sustainable tourism in Thailand. This year’s awards saw over 300 nominations and all deserve praise for helping to promote Thailand’s natural or cultural resources.

Choosing the winners
The Responsible Thailand Awards are run by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (UK & Ireland). Nominations are selected from Thailand-based individuals and organisations who have championed responsible tourism. The judges assess how successful various projects have been and the benefits of these initiatives for Thai people and tourists.

This year’s winners are listed below. If you’d like to find out more about previous winners and other ways you can support responsible tourism in Thailand, check out the links here.

Animal Welfare Award: Mahouts Elephant Foundation

After many years of visits to Thailand, British couple Sarah and Felix Blaine, supported by their children Joe and Natasha, established the Mahouts Elephant Foundation (MEF). A UK-registered charity, MEF is dedicated to improving the welfare of captive working Asian elephants. The foundation also recognises the crucial role of Karen indigenous mahouts (known in Thai as kwan chang).

MEF rescues elephants caught in the tourism industry and introduces them to protected forest areas in projects across Thailand. The inclusive approach of MEF means that not only do the elephants benefit, but so too do the local community and the natural environment.

The Responsible Thailand judges commented that Mahouts Elephant Foundation is, “An exemplary project caring for and rewilding elephants that have been exposed to cruel practices. An exceptional coming together of welfare for rescued elephants, benefit to the Karen community, and instructive tourism.”
More details | Website

Community-Based Tourism Award: Kao Tep Pitak Community Restaurant

This community-led ecotourism enterprise is located in a picturesque setting in Surat Thani province in an area near Khao Sok National Park. With the help of a local Thai tourism organisation (North Andaman Network and an overseas NGO (Planeterra), the local community has been able to expand their facilities and promote their village to local and overseas tourists.

Although the award goes to the Kao Tep Pitak Community Restaurant, the judges noted this is “far more than a restaurant, this project is deeply rooted in the community it serves by offering responsible and enlightening tourist experiences”.

Visitors are not only able to enjoy a local southern Thai meal at the village restaurant and community centre, they can also learn about the fruit orchards and the farmers’ way of life. Villagers are also able to showcase local handicrafts to visitors.
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Eco-Lodge Award: Elephant Hills

Elephant Hills is another worthy winner from the gorgeous environs of Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand. Elephant Hills were the pioneers of luxury tented jungle camps in Thailand and continue to do outstanding work with the local environment and the elephants in their care.

The judges said, “Bridging the connection between its guests, the surrounding environment and wildlife in need, Elephant Hills does an outstanding job in its contribution to responsible travel.”

Visitors have the choice of staying at two locations in Khao Sok: The Elephant Camp or the Floating Rainforest Camp. They have also opened The Bush Camp in Chiang Mai. Whichever option you choose, you will be supporting a wonderful organisation and in turn, supporting responsible tourism in Thailand.
More details | Website

Hotel Award: Devasom Khao Lak

It’s good to see an increasing number of hotels in Thailand recognising the importance of sustainable tourism. There was strong competition in this category with the Responsible Thailand Awards panel opting for Devasom Khao Lak as the winner. The judges said, “This resort admirably tackles the many issues which can arise in the hotel industry – both environmental and social – to rise above other worthy nominees in a strong category. It’s inspiring to see a resort so dedicated to its local area – especially in areas of educational uplift and employment.”

Devasom is an excellent example of a hotel supporting the local community. This is achieved in a number of ways including employing local residents, sourcing products from local producers and supporting schools in the Khao Lak area.

Devasom also takes its duty to the environment seriously with a number of programs aimed at recycling, conserving water, and reducing carbon emissions. As a beachfront hotel, the Devasom team also takes part in regular beach clean-ups. Younger guests are not forgotten with the Khao Lak Explorers’ Kids Club helping youngsters to learn about nature and the importance of protecting the environment through hands-on activities.

Local heritage is also important with Devasom providing support to the local community’s temple and shrine in addition to helping out with events and festivals in Khao Lak. Local artisans are assisted via the Devasom Khao Lak Artisan’s Shop which sells a range of locally produced handicrafts.
More details | Website

Green Steps Award: Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary

Opened in 2019, Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary is a relatively new elephant centre and one which is already making waves for all the right reasons. The sanctuary was founded by Renu who was born in Surin province in north-east Thailand. Renu has lived with elephants all her life and her family has a long affinity with the animals. Renu was inspired to adopt ethical elephant tourism after meeting Lek Chailert, the founder of Save Elephant Foundation and Elephant Nature Park.

Renu and her family began investing time and money to provide a safe home for rescued elephants in Pattaya. The sanctuary proudly adopts the ‘Saddle Off’ model where the elephants can live as naturally as possible while still allowing limited interaction with visitors who can learn more about these amazing animals.

The Responsible Thailand Award judges said, “Renu’s courage and will to protect abused elephants has led to this wonderful and necessary sanctuary that shows a better way to treat elephants in the name of tourism. There isn’t a more deserving initiative to win this award – she’s an inspiration to us all.”
More details | Website

Nature, Marine & Heritage Award: New Heaven Reef Conservation Program

New Heaven is a name synonymous with Ko Tao and diving. As one of the oldest diving schools on the island of Ko Tao, New Heaven has come a long way since its early days and has seen plenty of changes. What hasn’t changed, though, is the passion for marine ecology. New Heaven were the pioneers of the first conservation diving program on Ko Tao and continues to take steps to protect the island’s natural resources for future generations. An integral part of this is the New Heaven Reef Conservation Program (NHRCP) which was established in 2007.

The Responsible Thailand Award judges noted, “New Heaven’s diving courses, focusing on conserving coral reefs, are making a crucial contribution to protecting Thailand’s marine life. We know education is the key to safeguarding vulnerable environments, which is why the work of New Heaven Reef Conservation work is vital in Ko Tao.”
More details | Website

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