Krabi serves as Thailand's flagship model for sustainable tourism

Krabi has been established as the flagship site for the ‘Krabi Prototype,’ a sustainable tourism model developed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The initiative aims to balance the protection of natural landscapes and local culture with economic benefits for local communities.

In September 2025, Krabi and Bangkok co-hosted the Global Meaningful Travel Summit alongside the non-profit Tourism Cares. The event brought international travel executives to local communities such as Laem Sak and Ban Nai Nang to observe grassroots sustainability efforts, including community-led tours and local waste-management systems.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted that the model seeks to ensure residents, rather than outside operators, maintain control over how visitors experience their homes. Previous successes for the region include the Khlong Thom Hot Springs being recognized on the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories list in 2023.