From 29 to 30 August 2026, the Khon Kaen University Business School (KKBS), through its Centre of Asia Pacific for Tourism (CAPTOUR), organised a specialised training workshop. The event was entitled “Preparation for Sustainable Tourism Standards Assessment for Community Tourism and Tourist Attractions under the Thailand Good Travel Plan 2030 and Low-Carbon Tourism Management.” Held at the Khum Subh Hotel in Wiang Kao District, Khon Kaen Province, the workshop brought together expert speakers and certified tourism coaches accredited by the Department of Tourism across four business categories.
Asst. Prof. Maythawin Phonloyothee, Ph.D., Director of CAPTOUR, led the instructional panel, serving as a trainer and coach for community tourism, alongside Dr. Jinnapat Dominic, Deputy Director of CAPTOUR, representing the tour operator sector. They were joined by Asst. Prof. Paranee Boonchai, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management at Mahasarakham University, covering tourist attractions, and Ms. Thanawan Phanthet, Managing Director of Thai Dream Tour Co., Ltd., focusing on small-scale accommodation enterprises. Together, the coaches delivered detailed instruction to local community members and institutional partners.
The workshop covered the criteria for sustainable tourism assessment, tailored for community-based tourism and local attractions in Wiang Kao District. Participants conducted preliminary self-assessments against established benchmarks ahead of official certification for local tourism entities under the Thailand Good Travel Plan 2030 later in 2026. The training drew more than 35 participants representing 16 local organisations and tourism-related agencies, including Phu Wiang National Park, Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum, Khon Kaen Geopark Association, Phu Wiang Wittayayon School, Wiang Wongkot School, Chatukham Rangsan School, Khum Subh Hotel, Phu Aom Ville Resort, Rai Tan Khun Phaendin, the Dinosaur Valley Tourism and Learning Community Enterprise, Ban Hin Rong Cultural Community, Khao Noi Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Mueang Kao Pattana Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Nai Mueang Subdistrict Municipality, Baan Rai Nai Khieo, and Suan Dhammachak.
This initiative highlights the role of Khon Kaen University Business School and CAPTOUR in applying academic expertise to support local communities, tourism operators, and public sector agencies. By preparing Wiang Kao District for sustainable tourism standards assessment and championing low-carbon management practices, KKU continues to build balanced, eco-friendly, and long-term regional economic development.
