News

Walailak University (WU), in collaboration with the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), Krabi Province, and Mitsubishi Company (Thailand) Ltd., have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for studying Krabi carbon neutral tourism roadmap, aiming to transform Krabi into a carbon neutral tourism hub by 2040.

On 18 January 2024, Mr. Somchai Hanphakdee, Krabi Governor; Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President of WU; Mr. Hiroyasu Sato, President of Mitsubishi Company (Thailand) Ltd.; Associate Professor Dr. Thongchai Suwonsichon, Director of PMUC; Assistant Professor Dr. Supawadee Photiyarach, Chairperson of PMCU’s Tourism and Creative Economy Program Board; Assistant Professor Anaphat Nongkhoo, Coordinator of PMCU’s Tourism and Creative Economy Program; Mr. Amarit Siripornjutakul, Advisor to Krabi Hotel Association; Mr. Somkiat Kayankarn, President of Ao Nang Tourism Business Association, signed the MOU for “The Study for the Roadmap of Krabi Carbon Neutral Tourism 2040 Project” to promote sustainable tourism development in Krabi Province. The event took place at meeting room, fifth floor, in Krabi City Hall.

The MOU, valid for three years, aims to collaboratively study the creation of the carbon neutral roadmap, drive tourism activities in Krabi, and foster future cooperation. 

Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research at WU, said that the university has actively participated in Krabi's tourism development since 2012 to promote Krabi as a globally renowned tourist destination. The university has received research funding from PMUC to support initiatives such as developing tourism strategies, addressing market structure changes, creating a model spa town from Klong Thom hot springs, promoting green tourism, developing digital platforms, and high-value tourism. These efforts have played a role in shaping the Government's Annual Work Plan, the 5-year Krabi tourism plan, and the eventual transition to carbon neutral tourism.

"I express my gratitude to PMUC for consistently supporting research funding for the development of tourism in Krabi Province. Today, Mitsubishi Company (Thailand) Ltd. has also joined us in this effort. We will leverage the knowledge, skills, and experiences of each organization to propel the project forward tangibly, leading to the establishment of the roadmap and efficient and effective implementation," said VP Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp.