Thailand’s most popular tourism destinations are facing more environmental challenges than ever before – but local communities are stepping up, with support from EcoThailand.
‘I’ve been talking about climate change for over 20 years… and no one would listen,’ says Jintamard Sinlapaprommard, co-founder and vice-director of EcoThailand, as we sip fast-melting iced coffees in a ferry terminal in southern Thailand.
Jinta is on her way to Ko Phangan, where EcoThailand is doing some seriously impactful work with schools and communities to inspire the next generation.
It’s a Saturday morning and the cafe’s buzzing. There’s the rumble of suitcase wheels, muffled ferry announcements every few minutes and the grinding of a nearby coffee machine working overtime. It’s chaos, but the good kind. The kind that matches Jinta’s enthusiasm as she chats about the work EcoThailand is doing, as well as more broadly about climate, community and the power of education.
Despite the noise, Jinta’s message cuts through loud and clear – she’s more hopeful than ever before. Because finally, people are listening.
Global challenges, grassroots change
EcoThailand is a small community-based organisation in the Surat Thani province. The team focuses on four big things: environment, education, community and ecotourism. They’re on a mission to empower communities in southern Thailand to lead the charge on environmental action, starting with the next generation.
The star of the show is their Environmental Guardianship Education Program for school kids on islands like Ko Phangan and Ko Paluay. The program is designed to harness all that youthful energy and use it for good.
Forget worksheets and lectures. Instead, EcoThailand brings education to life with fun activities such as beach clean-ups, lessons about the environmental impact of macro and microplastics and birdwatching excursions. The goal is to make environmental responsibility not just easy to understand, but exciting and empowering.
‘We have to keep it fun!’ Jinta laughs. ‘Kids learn better when they’re engaged, and when they feel like they can do something about the problem.’
And that’s exactly what they’re doing – one classroom, one cleanup and one morning at a time.
EcoThailand has come a long way in 10 years. Starting with a single project on Ko Phangan, it now covers most schools on the island – and is also active across Ko Samui and Ko Phaluai, having engaged with almost 20 schools and more than 1000 eager students.
Why the next generation matters
Rising tides. Plastic pollution. Increasingly unpredictable weather. These are some of the many challenges that directly affect island life, from the environment to the economy. In communities where climate change isn’t a faraway problem but a daily reality, attitude is everything.
‘Adults know too much,’ Jinta jokes. ‘They’re already set in their ways.’ But children and teenagers are hopeful, curious and excited to do good, she says.
Instead of focusing on doom and gloom, EcoThailand’s approach is rooted in community understanding. By providing education relevant to people’s daily lives and livelihoods – especially in tourism-dependent regions – they’re building resilience from the early years into the future.
What’s next for EcoThailand?
The goal isn’t to solve everything overnight. It’s about building momentum for small changes to have a positive impact down the track. To turn today’s students into tomorrow’s changemakers.
EcoThailand wants to partner with more schools, students and local businesses, with support from organisations such as The Intrepid Foundation. The hope is to keep expanding its reach and impact with education that empowers people to protect the places they love.
Whether they’re developing a new nature-based learning module, helping schools reduce their plastic waste or partnering with local businesses on ecotourism projects, EcoThailand is constantly finding new ways to make positive change.
In October 2024, the Intrepid Foundation awarded EcoThailand an AUD 5000 impact grant to support responsible tourism initiatives for communities on Ko Phaluai. Due to the installation of a new pier, these communities are set to see an influx of international visitors.
‘The world is changing, so our programs have to change too,’ Jinta says. ‘We’re always adapting to keep it relevant and fun.’
Even after two decades of climate advocacy, her energy hasn’t wavered. If anything, it’s grown. ‘I just keep doing what I love,’ she says, smiling. ‘And when the kids get excited about the environment, that’s when I know we’re doing something right.’
Learn more about EcoThailand or find your next adventure in Thailand with Intrepid.
