Lanta Archipelago National Park in Krabi has earned a place on the 2025 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories list, highlighting Thailand’s rising status as a global leader in responsible, community-driven tourism. The recognition places Lanta alongside nine other standout destinations across the country, reinforcing Thailand’s commitment to sustainability on the international stage.
Photo credit: TAT News
The announcement was made during the Green Destinations Global Conference 2025 in Montpellier, France, hosted by the Netherlands-based Green Destinations Foundation.
A Community-Led Conservation Success Story
Lanta Archipelago National Park received its award for an innovative marine conservation effort developed under TAT’s Krabi Prototype program. The recognized initiative—“A Hero’s Tale from Lanta Island”—centers on the Return Home to Hermit Crabs project, which tackles the critical shortage of seashells used by hermit crabs as natural shelters.
By encouraging tourists and local residents to donate discarded shells, the project helps restore coastal ecosystems, reduce marine waste, and boost biodiversity. Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative has strengthened community involvement and raised awareness about the long-term importance of protecting fragile marine habitats.
Thailand Strengthens Its Role in Sustainable Tourism
TAT governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted that Thailand’s multiple placements on this year’s Top 100 list reflect a major shift in the country’s tourism landscape. She described sustainability as a “defining principle” of Thailand’s tourism development, adding that the achievement of Lanta Archipelago National Park under the Krabi Prototype program highlighted how collaboration with partners, communities, and entrepreneurs could deliver meaningful impact.
Nationwide, TAT continues to drive sustainability through programs aligned with international standards and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Key initiatives include the Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs), the STGs STAR rating, Carbon Footprint Hotels (CF-Hotels) certification, and the Thailand Tourism Awards. These efforts encourage tourism operators to protect natural resources, preserve local heritage, and improve community well-being.
Ten Thai Destinations Recognized in 2025
Along with Lanta Archipelago National Park, nine additional destinations across Thailand were honored in the 2025 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories:
- Royal Park Rajapruek, Chiang Mai
- Kui Buri National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Uthai Thani Old Town, Uthai Thani
- Mu Ko Chang National Park, Trat
- Tha Chai Community, Si Satchanalai, Sukhothai
- Chak Ngaew Ancient Chinese Market, Chon Buri
- Chiang Khan, Loei
- Nan Old Town, Nan
- Na Kluea Old Town, Chon Buri
All ten sites will receive international visibility through the Green Destinations network, further elevating Thailand’s profile as a world-class sustainable tourism destination.
For more information on the 2025 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories, visit the official Green Destinations website.
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