ส.อ.ท. ผนึก อว.–อพท. เดินหน้า “Regenerative Tourism” ใช้นวัตกรรมฟื้นธรรมชาติ สร้างมูลค่าเศรษฐกิจ-ชุมชนFTI Collaborates with MoE and AP to Advance “Regenerative Tourism” Utilizing Innovations to Restore Nature and Create Economic Value for Communities

FTI collaborates with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MoE) and the Special Purpose Tourism Area Development Office (AP) to transform Thai tourism into one that returns value to nature, communities, and the economy through the use of science, research, technology, and innovations. This initiative will develop a model area for the Regenerative Tourism Lab and connect all sectors to expand the initiatives nationwide.

Recently, on September 11, 2026, Mr. Kamthorn Silakorn, Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), participated in a signing ceremony for a collaboration agreement between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MoE) represented by the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Office (NSTDA), and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports represented by the Special Purpose Tourism Area Development Office (Public Organization) or AP.

The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Surachai Satitkunarat, Director of NSTDA, and Mr. Siripakorn Chiewsamut, Director of AP, who were the signatories, along with Dr. Phanpemsak Aruni, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MoE), and Ms. Wanida Pansaad, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (TS), who acted as witnesses to the signing at Kamolthip Room 3, 2nd Floor, The Sukosol Hotel, Bangkok.

This collaborative agreement aims to create cooperation in driving policies and applying knowledge from higher education, science, research, and innovation (HE-SRI) to elevate Thai tourism towards Regenerative Tourism. This collaboration focuses on generating economic value while restoring natural resources and the environment and developing the quality of life of communities in a balanced and sustainable manner, as well as supporting the transition towards Nature Positive Development.

Moreover, it aims to integrate knowledge, research, innovations, capabilities, and infrastructure of the university network to develop a model area for the Regenerative Tourism Lab, and jointly develop guidelines, standards, indicators, and mechanisms for expansion that are consistent with the context of Thailand and international standards to enhance community tourism and drive Regenerative Tourism at the national level.

Under the framework of cooperation, both parties will jointly develop knowledge, standards, and guidelines in Regenerative Tourism, as well as promote the establishment and development of model areas for Regenerative Tourism (Regenerative Tourism Lab/Living Lab) to serve as testing grounds for applying knowledge, science, technology, and innovations in real contextual areas, while promoting the application of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to support the restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity alongside creating economic and social value.

Additionally, it aims to establish a Regenerative Tourism Network to connect cooperation between the government sector, academia, the industrial sector, civil society, and communities to facilitate knowledge exchange, technology, and innovations, as well as to expand successful models to other areas across the country. Joint recommendations for policy proposals and developmental strategies that can support the long-term driving of Regenerative Tourism in Thailand will also be prepared.