The Special Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) has partnered with the World Sustainable Tourism Standard (GSTC) to upgrade Koh Mak to a model area of sustainable tourism. This initiative involves bringing together tourism operators, villagers, local government organizations and hotels/resorts to create a more sustainable environment. However, research has shown that tourists visiting Koh Mak have higher average carbon emissions than the national average, due to the use of transportation and motorboats. The burning of fuel for these activities then releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect, as well as soot and oil deposits that fall into the sea and negatively affect aquatic animals and coral reefs.

Reducing fuel consumption from tourism is an effective way to promote sustainable tourism and conserve and restore natural resources. This can be accomplished through the transfer of solar electric boat technology to the Special Area Development Administration for Sustainable Tourism Administration and the Koh Mak community, as well as creating a strategic plan to implement such policies. The results of this plan could then be extended to other areas.

Project output

1. On April 1, 2022, the Koh Mak Community in Trat Province came together to launch a solar powered boat. Representatives from numerous government organizations, companies, and local citizens were present for the celebration in the Koh Mak Subdistrict of Koh Kood District.
2. On April 1-2, 2022, a workshop was held at Ko Mak Subdistrict, Ko Kood District, Trat Province, with 5 participants. The workshop focused on boat maintenance and providing information on solar electric boat travel routes.

Impact

1. Spatial aspect: Coastal towns are utilizing solar-powered boats to promote low-carbon tourism and coral restoration efforts on the island of Koh Mak. This green initiative is helping to reduce the environmental impact of tourism while restoring the fragile coral ecosystems.

Policy aspect: Examples and patterns have been created for government agencies to utilize electric boats, such as using them to enter delicate coral reefs in parks, or to promote the electric boat industry in the nation through public use of DASTA. Koh Mak is a perfect example of sustainable tourism as the local community takes conscious steps to reduce the environmental impact of tourism in the area. They strive to keep their carbon footprint low and promote eco-friendly practices to create an image of sustainable tourism. Additionally, Koh Mak is taking advantage of the area's natural beauty by expanding their tourism industry in other areas.