As Thailand’s popular islands brace for a surge in visitors due to The White Lotus Season 3, a quieter revolution is unfolding across the Gulf of Thailand.

Koh Mak, a 16 sq km island, has positioned itself as a low-carbon tourism pioneer, offering a sustainable alternative to mass tourism destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui.

A Vision for Responsible Tourism

Recognized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as the country’s first low-carbon island, Koh Mak thrives under a unique ownership structure.

Unlike many Thai islands governed by state authorities, Koh Mak remains privately owned by five families, descendants of Luang Prompakdee, who purchased the land in the early 20th century.

This local governance has helped enforce strict sustainability measures, including:

• No vehicle ferries to limit traffic
• Motorbike rentals capped at 70% of accommodation capacity
• Ban on loud music and water sports like jet skis
• Prohibition of plastic and foam containers

These measures were formalized in the Koh Mak Charter (2018), ensuring the island’s preservation while promoting responsible tourism.

Eco-Friendly Initiatives & Local Conservation Efforts

Koh Mak integrates renewable energy and community-driven conservation projects, reinforcing Thailand’s commitment to sustainable tourism development. Initiatives include:

• Koh Mak Coral Conservation Group – Visitors participate in coral propagation using recycled PVC pipes.
• Trash Hero Beach Cleanups – A weekly event where tourists and locals remove plastic waste from the island’s shores.
• Eco-Tourism Experiences – Coconut harvesting, cold-pressed coconut oil workshops, and traditional tie-dyeing classes using natural pigments.

According to TAT and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Koh Mak exemplifies Thailand’s sustainable tourism goals under the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model, supporting the National Low-Carbon Strategy.

A Paradise for Slow Travel & Digital Nomads

With just 750 rooms available, Koh Mak ensures that tourism remains low-impact. The island’s car-free roads and bike-friendly paths encourage slow travel, making it a haven for digital nomads and long-term travelers.

The Koh Mak Campus, launched in 2020, promotes remote work and seasonal stays, fostering a balance between tourism and environmental conservation.

However, as Yodchai Sudhidhanakul, President of the Koh Mak Tourism Club, highlights, the island faces ongoing challenges, including plastic pollution from ocean currents and the need for greater renewable energy adoption.

Koh Mak: A Blueprint for the Future of Travel

As Thailand grapples with overtourism, Koh Mak stands as a beacon of responsible travel.

By prioritizing eco-tourism, conservation, and local ownership, it proves that progress doesn’t have to come at the cost of a destination’s soul.

For travelers seeking an authentic, low-carbon escape, Koh Mak is not just a getaway—it’s an inspiration for the future of travel.

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