CHIANG RAI – The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) has put Ban Pha Mee, Chiang Rai, on the global stage. The Akha cultural tourism community earned runner-up at the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards 2025 in the Community, Government, and Service Companies Projects category.
The project title was From Roots to the Future: Revitalizing Akha Culture and Community Economy through Community-Based Tourism in Ban Pha Mee Community. Mdluli Safari Lodge from South Africa took the top prize in the same category.
The category had 20 entries from 12 countries. Thailand received one award across eight categories. Each category had only two prizes: winner and runner-up. Ban Pha Mee’s recognition is a proud milestone for Thailand.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Director of DASTA, shared that the agency selected Ban Pha Mee in 2025 as a model community within the Chiang Rai Special Area for Sustainable Tourism. The area was declared in 2022. The focus is on ecotourism and living culture, led by the community.
The submission highlighted community-based tourism as a tool to protect Akha heritage. It also supports nature conservation, environmental awareness, and a strong local economy. The approach brings together community members, government partners, and networks to build fair and lasting growth.
Judges praised the project for a clear and powerful transformation rooted in Akha identity and pride. A key shift was moving from opium cultivation to sustainable agriculture and tourism. The project fit the category well. It operates as a community enterprise, with DASTA (a state agency) acting as mentor, and shows real grassroots participation.
The panel suggested the next steps. Encourage youth to take part, pass on cultural knowledge, and develop young leaders in community-based tourism. DASTA plans to keep building the community’s capacity to meet higher global standards.
Skål International is the world’s largest network of professionals in sustainable tourism. Founded in 1932 in France, it is now headquartered in Spain. Its mission is to promote the travel and tourism sector and foster partnerships across the global industry.
The Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards began in 2002 to spotlight effective and responsible tourism initiatives. The 2025 awards were announced and presented at the 84th Skål International World Congress in Cusco, Peru, on September 26, 2025 (local time).
This recognition reflects steady progress in upgrading special tourism areas in Thailand to meet international standards. DASTA will continue to raise the bar in other designated areas, aiming for more national and international wins.
