Published on
February 22, 2026
Image generated with Ai
The Sukhothai Old City and Thachai-Si Satchanalai areas have recently been honored with significant international accolades, marking a major milestone for sustainable tourism in the region. It was announced on February 20, 2026, during an official presentation at Wat Traphang Thong that these two key destinations within Sukhothai province have achieved high-level recognition for their environmental and community-focused management. The Green Destinations Gold Award 2025 was secured by the Sukhothai Old City, while the Thachai-Si Satchanalai area was officially included in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2025. These achievements were facilitated by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration, also known as DASTA, which has spearheaded the development of these sites to align with international standards.
Strategic Implementation of Global Criteria
The advancement of these historical sites is conducted under a rigorous framework known as the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. As stated by Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the Director-General of DASTA, the development process for both the Sukhothai Old City and Thachai-Si Satchanalai is meticulously guided by these international benchmarks. A destination management mechanism is utilized to involve all relevant sectors, ensuring that every stakeholder contributes to the long-term preservation and promotion of the province.
The implementation of these standards is managed through the continuous application of the PDCA cycle, which stands for Plan, Do, Check, and Act. It is noted by the Director-General that the Sukhothai Old City previously received the Top 100 Stories award in both 2021 and 2023. These prior successes served as a foundation for the area to eventually progress toward the Gold Award in 2025. This steady progression reflects a commitment to elevating the quality of local tourism while maintaining a focus on the liveable and visitable image of the province.
Meeting Comprehensive Assessment Standards
To earn the Green Destinations Gold Award 2025, the Sukhothai Old City was required to satisfy a total of 78 distinct assessment criteria. These requirements are divided into six core dimensions that cover the entirety of sustainable destination management. These dimensions include the conservation of nature and landscapes, as well as the active care for the environment and climate. Furthermore, the safeguarding of culture and local traditions is prioritized alongside the promotion of community well-being.
The final dimension involves the practice of responsible business within the tourism sector. By meeting these exhaustive requirements, the destination has demonstrated its ability to balance the needs of modern travelers with the preservation of its historical and natural integrity. This holistic approach ensures that the ancient capital remains a viable and attractive destination for future generations.
Community-Led Heritage and Storytelling
The recognition of the Thachai-Si Satchanalai area within the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2025 is attributed to its community-focused heritage projects. This specific award was granted after the implementation of 15 sustainable tourism criteria. A central theme titled Voices from the Community: Revived Edible Heritage was presented as a showcase of good practice. This initiative highlights development that places the roles and voices of local residents at the center of the tourism narrative.
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By focusing on edible heritage and community stories, the project has successfully revived local traditions while providing visitors with an authentic cultural experience. This achievement is intended to bolster the global image of Sukhothai as a destination where history and local life are inextricably linked. The involvement of the community is seen as a vital component in ensuring that tourism development remains ethical and beneficial to those who live in the area.
Future Objectives and Environmental Focus
The maintenance of these high standards is a continuous priority for local authorities and DASTA. According to Col Navin Preechapanichkul, the Manager of DASTA Sukhothai, future efforts will be focused on addressing specific weak points that were identified during the evaluation process. A particular emphasis is being placed on three key environmental issues to ensure long-term sustainability.
Systematic waste and wastewater management are among the primary areas targeted for improvement. Collaborative efforts are being made with local organizations to refine these systems and reduce the environmental footprint of tourism activities. By utilizing the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria mechanism and Green Destinations assessments, the province aims to reinforce its status as a world-class leader in sustainable travel. These international accolades are viewed not just as end goals, but as benchmarks that drive further innovation and conservation within the region.
