The Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) in collaboration with partners in Krabi Province, Walailak University, Mitsubishi Thailand Co., Ltd., the Krabi Hotel Association, and the Ao Nang Tourism Business Association, signed a memorandum of understanding for the project “The Study for the Roadmap of Krabi Carbon Neutral Tourism 2040 Project” to concretely achieve net-zero carbon tourism by 2040. The signing ceremony, witnessed by government and private sector executives, media, and representatives from Mitsubishi Corporation’s headquarters in Japan, took place on January 18, 2024, at 1:30 PM in the conference room on the 5th floor of the Krabi Provincial Hall.
Associate Professor Thongchai Suwansichon, Ph.D., Director of PMUC, along with Assistant Professor Supawadee Phothiyaj, Chairperson of the Tourism and Creative Economy Subcommittee, and Assistant Professor Anuphat Nongku, Coordinator of the Tourism and Creative Economy Program, collaborated with Krabi Province partners led by Mr. Somchai Hanphakdeepatima, Governor of Krabi Province, Associate Professor Siwarit Pongsakornrangsil, Ph.D., Vice President of Walailak University, and Mr. Hiroyasu Sato, Chairman of Mitsubishi Thailand Co., Ltd., as well as Mr. Amarit Siripornjutakul, Advisor to the Krabi Hotel Association, and Mr. Somkiat Khayankan, President of the Ao Nang Tourism Business Association, to sign the memorandum of understanding for the project. This event was also witnessed by government and private sector executives, media, and representatives from Mitsubishi Corporation’s headquarters in Japan.
Associate Professor Dr. Thongchai Suwansichon, Director of PMUC, stated, “The PMUC is extremely pleased and honored to be part of the effort to drive Krabi Province towards becoming a zero net carbon tourism city. We support research funding for researchers from Walailak University and other universities in developing tourism in Krabi Province, leading to the creation of a net-zero carbon tourism network in Krabi, as agreed in the cooperation signed last year. The Acting Dean of the School of Management, Walailak University, has reported on the progress over the past 12 years of research efforts leading to the current development of net-zero carbon tourism. Today, we have partners with knowledge and resources joining us to drive Krabi towards being a net-zero carbon tourism city, including Mitsubishi Thailand Co., Ltd.”
Since the announcement of the Krabi Declaration in 2013, all sectors in Krabi Province have collaborated and driven the growth of tourism in Krabi in a directed manner, focusing on quality tourism with an emphasis on low-carbon tourism as a key foundation for zero net carbon tourism. This has made Krabi one of the main tourist cities in Thailand. With global society emphasizing the reduction of environmental impact, Krabi Province is committed to achieving carbon neutrality, especially in the development of zero net carbon tourism. This is to meet the demands of the tourism market and maintain its position as an environmentally conscious tourist city. Importantly, it also extends the strategy and lays the foundation for economic development under the concept of the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy. It can be said that Krabi Province has significant potential and prominence in green tourism and eco-friendly tourism, aiming clearly at driving towards becoming a net-zero carbon tourism city.
Associate Professor Supawadee Pothiyaraj, senior specialist at the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) and Chairperson of the Tourism and Creative Economy Subcommittee, PMUC, stated, “The TSRI has supported research funding to Walailak University for the development of tourism in Krabi Province since 2012. Today, this development has evolved into CNT (Carbon Neutral Tourism), achieving net-zero carbon tourism under the Tourism and Creative Economy plan by PMUC, with funding from the Science, Research and Innovation Fund (SRI). The continuous application of research has led to Krabi signing a Memorandum of Understanding for the Krabi Carbon Neutral Tourism 2040 network with 10 national and 12 local organizations in May 2023 to drive net-zero carbon tourism.”
The Krabi Carbon Neutral Tourism 2040 network, established through the cooperation agreement signed last May, has become the starting point for collaboration among various sectors, leading to practical implementation. The signing of the cooperation agreement today marks another significant step for tourism in Krabi Province to have partners with knowledge, tools, and experience to achieve carbon reduction goals. Establishing a carbon-neutral tourism network will be a part of connecting resources, knowledge, experience, tools, and techniques from national organizations to drive Krabi towards becoming a net-zero carbon tourism city by 2040.
Mr. Somchai Hanphakdeepatima, Governor of Krabi Province, stated, “Krabi is very fortunate to have several agencies come together to drive tourism. As the governor of Krabi, I would like to thank PMUC and, under MHESI, for supporting research funding to Walailak University for the development of tourism in Krabi Province since 2012. This has led to the creation of the Krabi Carbon Neutral Tourism network. The signing of the cooperation agreement today is another significant step where we, the people of Krabi, will have partners with knowledge, tools, and experience to achieve our carbon reduction goals. Establishing a carbon-neutral tourism network will connect resources, knowledge, experience, tools, and techniques from national organizations to drive Krabi towards becoming a net-zero carbon tourism city by 2040.”
Associate Professor Siwarith Pongsakornrungsil, Ph.D., Vice President of Walailak University, stated, “In the year 2023, Walailak University has undertaken research activities under the plan to elevate management standards based on identity and innovation aimed at promoting carbon-neutral tourism in Krabi province and the surrounding areas. This initiative has received research funding from PMUC, TSRI, and has provided a good opportunity for Mitsubish Corporation (Thailand) Limited to develop activities related to carbon neutrality. The corporation has initiated meetings with Walailak University and networks in Krabi province, including discussions with the provincial governor, the Krabi Hotel Association, and the Ao Nang Tourism Business Association, as well as long-tail boat operators in Krabi province, leading to the establishment of development plans and driving tourism towards a provincial carbon-neutrality in a sustainable manner. This has led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding today and will lead to the development of a roadmap for efficient and effective operation utilizing the potential of relevant networks to drive efficiency and effectiveness.”
However, the goal is not an easy task and requires cooperation from all sectors, including government agencies, private tourism sectors in Krabi province, community-based tourism, and external network associations, including various organizations such as Krabi province, Walailak University, PMUC, Mitsubishi Corporation Thailand Limited, Krabi Hotel Business Association, and Ao Nang Tourism Business Association, who have come together to utilize the experiences and resources of each organization to collectively drive the initiative forward. The signing of the agreement today signifies the commitment and determination of the people of Krabi and various organizations to clearly drive carbon-neutral tourism, through the implementation of the Krabi Carbon Neutral Tourism 2040 Project study, which will lead to cooperation in utilizing the knowledge, skills, and experiences of each network association in driving future projects in a sustainable manner.
