Spotlight Koh Tao 2023

World famous dive destination, Koh Tao aims to become a socially and environmentally responsible tourist destination through its tourism management and conservation and nature restoration activities.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in cooperation with the Ko Tao Tourism Association organised the ‘Spotlight Koh Tao 2023’ fam trip to Ko Tao in Surat Thani province from 7-9 April 2023, in line with its ‘Reborn the Nature’ project and to drive forward its promotion of responsible tourism and meaningful travel experiences.

The Spotlight Ko Tao 2023 fam trip aimed to raise awareness among voluntourism sector, divers, and groups of tourists who value environmental responsibility, and lead to travel package sales that will generate local income and help revitalise Thai economy.

Participating in the trip were 68 media and influencers and entrepreneurs, and representatives of Asia and South Pacific travel businesses with a focus on creating responsible tourism trends.

The fam trip programme offered various conservation activities such as coral restoration, mooring buoy repairs, marine debris collection, coral surveying, building fish homes, and tree planting. Participants also had the opportunity to make ‘Sea Glass’ jewellery from bottle waste and broken glass, ‘CoCo Tie Dye Ko Tao’ fabric from coconut husks, ‘ECO PRINT’ fabric with leaves, and ‘Plas-Tao’ by turning plastic waste into new products. Other highlights of the trip included the Ko Tao Green market, Mini Dive & Adventure Expo, island-style sports, and trying the delicious local food.

Participants invited by TAT Sydney are a renowned underwater photographer – Jayne Jenkins and accomplished underwater cinematographer – Tom Park. During their time on Koh Tao, both have participated in some underwater marine conservation activities with Black Turtle Dive. They also spent a few nights on Ko Samui in which they have visited a few temples, Samui Elephant Sanctuary – the first ethical and award winning elephant sanctuary on Ko Samui, Hua Thanon Fisherman Village and Mu Ko Angthong Marine Park – one of the most beautiful marine parks in Thailand.

While in Koh Tao, both participated in marine conservation activities and sustainable workshops – and enjoyed several memorable dives, including the stunning Sail Rock. Topside, the pair also experienced conservation in action at Samui Elephant Sanctuary.

Surat Thani province including Ko Tao is a world-renowned destination for those wanting to learn to dive, and it is aiming to become a socially and environmentally responsible tourist destination through its tourism management and conservation and nature restoration activities.

This festival of the underwater world showcases the many responsible tourism and meaningful experiences in Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and Mu Koh Ang Thong National Marine Park.

TAT’s 3rd Sydney Beach Cleanup at Clifton Gardens

On 28 October, 2022, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Sydney Office and Team Thailand Sydney took part in a beach and underwater clean-up event at Chowder Bay.

Twenty five volunteers took part, including six scuba divers, staff from TAT Sydney, the Royal Thai Consulate Sydney, Thailand Board of Investment Sydney, Thai Trade Sydney and media friends of TAT. 

This is the third time TAT Sydney has collaborated with volunteer organisation; Friends of Chowder Bay at Clifton Gardens.

Approximately 3K metres fishing line, 21 fishing lures, 8 chemical light sticks, 102 fishing hooks, 32 lead weights, 131 plastic and aluminium foil food wrappers, cans, cigarette butts, styrofoam balls and hundreds of plastic remnants were recorded.

Last year on World Ocean Day (8 June), TAT supported Spotlight Koh Tao event which comprises workshops and exhibitions that highlight the island’s dedication to conservation and land and sea revitalisation.

 

Next year (2023), TAT has committed to support the event again and we look forward to welcoming more tourists and volunteers from around Thailand and overseas to join us.

Spotlight Koh Tao 2023 is scheduled 7 – 9 April. More information here and on the Facebook page here.

 

TAT plant 1000 trees for koalas on National Tree Day

This National Tree Day, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) joined forces with the Koala Clancy Foundation to plant 1000 trees, helping to restore vital koala habitat in regional Victoria.

Team Thailand, comprising members of the TAT Sydney office and the Royal Thai Embassy, including the honourable Ms Busadee Santipitaks, Ambassador to Australia, were joined at the Mt Rothwell site by Councillors from the City of Greater Geelong: Cr Belinda Moloney, Cr Ron Nelson and Cr Anthony Aitken, and a large group of enthusiastic volunteers.

According to Ambassador Ms Busadee Santipitaks; “It was wonderful to see how passionate and dedicated Janine Duffy, President of the Koala Clancy Foundation has been to protect and create a habitat for koalas.

“Equally impressive is Mr Michael Smith, the owner of the land provided for this tree planting, and I truly appreciate their hosting us at their shed (and distillery).”

Trees were planted on the property of Smith, who has offered up his land at Mt Rothwell to be revegetated by the Foundation to help create more koala-friendly habitat. Mr Smith hosted the group for morning tea and lunch in his converted sheep shearing shed, now a boutique gin distillery.

The ambassador explained that the event resonates with Thailand’s continuing efforts to restore elephant rainforest habitat in Thailand. Furthermore, the latest efforts to offset carbon emissions is the Bangkok governor’s campaign to plant one million trees in Bangkok during the next four years.

TAT Director Suladda Sarutilavan expanded on Thailand’s sustainability goals, explaining the Kingdom’s Bio-Circular-Green economy model, and what that means for the future of tourism in Thailand, with initiatives to support the development of more sustainable hotels, conscious dining, and community-based tourism.

TAT recently launched the 7 Greens campaign: Green Heart, Green Logistics, Green Attraction, Green Activity, Green Community, Green Service, Green Plus which encourages resorts and tourism operators to adopt, step by step, more sustainable strategies for the future.

Event sponsor Minor Hotels group have long embraced these ideals, pioneering efforts in Thailand to establish elephant sanctuaries through Anantara’s Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, and shared their vision with volunteers on the day.

The Koala Clancy Foundation plants trees for koalas on farms and private land, creates new habitat and advocates for better protection of wild koalas. Today, volunteers planted 1000 trees, helping the foundation reach its 2022 target to plant 26,000  trees in Victoria’s You Yangs region.

Founder and president Janine Duffy thanked TAT for the opportunity to share the foundation’s ambitions.

“I am incredibly proud to talk about our You Yangs koalas with decision makers from the local area and abroad, and to hope that these great people can keep the needs of our precious koalas in their minds.” Volunteers were rewarded for their efforts with a delicious Thai lunch followed by a koala-spotting walking tour of the You Yangs, where they were delighted to encounter a koala in the treetops, for many in the group, the first time they had seen a koala in the wild.

Thailand: Amazing new chapters

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently launched the Visit Thailand Year 2022: Amazing New Chapters campaign. Mr Tanes Petsuwan, Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia, joined a delegation of TAT representatives in Sydney this month to explain the 5-pronged marketing campaign to a select group of media representatives.

1. New Segments

With the growing popularity of a ‘workation’ or working remotely, Bangkok and Phuket rank high on the list of cities that best suit digital nomads.

2. New Areas

TAT is now promoting new areas to Australian tourists, such as sea, sand and sun destinations of the east coast including Trat and The Gulf’s popular centre for golf and wellness; Hua Hin, as well as the northern regions including Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai for soft adventure.

3. New Partners

TAT is actively seeking new promotional partners across a number of platforms, engaging influencers and new digital mechanics for collaboration.

4. New Infrastructure

During the pause in tourism forced by the Covid-19 pandemic, Thailand has been developing infrastructure, including the construction of Grand Bang Sue Station, underground walkways linking the Grand Palace, highways connecting Bangkok to other parts of the country, light monorail in Khon Khaen in the north-east, Betong Airport in the south and a high-speed rail connecting Bangkok to Malaysia, due for completion in 2029.

5. New Way.

The pandemic has also increased awareness among the world’s travellers and how their behaviour has impacted the environment, TAT will focus on promoting responsible tourism.

Team Thailand joins Friends of Chowder Bay for Beach Cleanup

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Sydney office teamed up with the The Royal Thai Consulate Sydney, ThaiTrade and Thailand Board of Investment to support Sydney volunteer group Friends of Chowder Bay in a beach and underwater cleanup event.

Team Thailand managed a topside beach and park cleanup, while SCUBA divers and snorkelers took the plunge to remove underwater debris. The Sydney Harbour-side location is a popular spot for picnickers, divers and fisherfolk, and unfortunately, not all visitors leave this beautiful location as pristine as they found it.

Chowder Bay attracts divers and snorkelers from all over Sydney, drawn by the incredible macro marine biodiversity. The range of tiny critters here includes several species of frogfish and nudibranchs, decorator and hermit crabs, moray eels, several species of leatherjackets, blennies, rays and it’s famous for its population of seahorses. The site is an important breeding spot for the endangered Sydney Seahorse, with a program in place to help boost numbers, with protective enclosures or ‘Seahorse Hotels’ installed which are monitored by SEALIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Volunteers endured some challenging weather conditions, with intervals of heavy rain, brilliant sunshine and strong wind gusts at times but overall a job well done by divers and topside crew.

Divers retrieved an estimated 3KM of fishing line, 32 lures, 30 chemical light sticks, 90 sinkers. On the beach and underwater, 280 cigarette butts, over 100 plastic disposable picnic items including 62 confection sticks, 44 cutlery items and 14 straws. Over 400 plastic fragments, 270 plastic film remnants (lots of bait bags) and a lot of building/construction plastic waste – 46 items including tile separators and drill plugs.

Volunteers were rewarded with a delicious Thai lunch provided by TAT, accompanied by craft beer and gin & tonic mixers donated by Lord Howe Island Brewing Company.

To find out more about Friends of Chowder Bay, join the Facebook Community Group or follow them on Instagram.

Amazing New Chapters

After one of the toughest years in tourism history, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sydney Office (TAT) celebrated Loy Krathong with the launch of a new marketing campaign: Amazing New Chapters.

After the Great Lockdown, the tourism industry is anticipating the Great Reboot and of course the Great Rebound.

The ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’ campaign focusses on three ‘Amazing New Chapters’ inviting the world’s travellers to experience a deeper connection with the Kingdom’s unique culture and precious environment.

Chapter 1: Awaken Your Senses

This chapter highlights tourism products and services that will awaken all five senses; delicious Thai cuisine and the picturesque natural scenery that can be discovered all throughout the kingdom.

Chapter 2: The One You Love

Chapter 2 focuses on tourism segments including families, couples, and friends, inviting travellers to create wonderful memories together in Thailand.

Chapter 3: The Earth We Care

This chapter aims to highlight how nature has been revitalised. The COVID-19 situation has increased ecotourism awareness among the world’s travellers and how their behaviour has impacted the environment. There is an increased trend to spending more time in nature and being increasingly conscious of the impact on natural resources.

Another focus for TAT is communicate a passion for Responsible Travel, something tourism operators throughout Thailand have embraced, providing a higher quality experience for their guests as a result. This has been achieved by considering all tourism implications on the environment, wildlife, plantations, and local Thai communities, providing tourists with a more meaningful experience.

In 2022, TAT expects the tourism sector to generate THB 1.58 trillion, accounted around 50 per cent of the pre-COVID 19 era, which includes 51 per cent international and 49 per cent domestic.

Aussie expats welcome Australians to the Phuket Sandbox

In a series of Facebook videos, Aussie expats living in Phuket welcome Australians to the Phuket Sandbox, explaining how the program works, and with lots of recommendations on where to go and what to see!

Live, Work & Play in Phuket

Ayla Lewis-Watson

Ayla and her family of sailors found themselves ‘stuck’ in Thailand after sailing there is 2020, and they are “very happy to be stuck here” and thoroughly enjoying their new lifestyle, living in a Bangtao villa, with their two young daughters attending the Headstart International School. You can follow Ayla’s family adventures on Facebook at Troppo Travels. Watch Ayla’s video here.

Nic Edgerton

Nic is a 32-year old online fitness trainer who has been visiting Phuket for 11 years, and is now delighted to call the island home. Follow Nic on Instagram at @nicdreamteamedgy. Watch Nik’s video here.

Celeste Hansen

Celeste is a professional Muay Thai fighter who has been living in Phuket for over five years, and loves the mix of beach life and night life. Watch Celeste’s video here.

Find out what there expats think about living, working and playing in Phuket here.

Introducing the Phuket Sandbox

Our expats share their recommendations on embracing the Phuket Sandbox here.

Watch the ‘Live Work & Play in Thailand’ Playlist here

Hands Across the Water 100k Challenge

Hands Across the Water was founded in 2005 to help children orphaned by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. Since then, through various fundraising programs, the Australian charity has raised over $27 million, dollars and now runs seven homes and projects throughout Thailand, supporting over 350 Thai children and their communities.

The foundation’s annual Ride to Provide is an epic long-distance bike ride, covering 800 scenic kilometres along the Gulf of Thailand in eight days. Money raised provides critical funding for this remarkable charity.

While borders are closed, Hand Across the Water has launched challenge here in Australia. The 100k Challenge for the month of September is a challenge to help raise $100k. The challenge invites individuals, work place colleagues, families and friends to join the Foundation and walk, run, swim, or ride their way towards 100km in the month of September.

There will be lots of engagement points through the month with various activities people may wish to join including the launch of the Podcast Hands Heroes where founder Peter Baines will be having conversations with some pretty extraordinary people. 

We have long enjoyed your support and this is our small way of returning value during these challenging times. 

The challenge is FREE to join and no minimum fundraising. Check out the challenge and share it with those who you feel may enjoy the incentive to move a little more in September and hear from the kids in Thailand that Hands Across the Water supports.

https://www.handsacrossthewater.org.au/event/hands-hero-100k-challenge

Phuket Sandbox Welcome Vouchers

To celebrate the launch of the ‘Phuket Sandbox’, as Phuket opens international borders to fully vaccinated visitors, the Tourism Authority of Thailand Sydney Office would like to enhance your first visit back to Phuket with a spa voucher and a complimentary half-day tour.

The vouchers are eligible for travellers departing from Australia with valid Certificate of Entry (COE), travelling to Thailand no later than 30th September 2021 under the Phuket Sandbox program.

Spa Vouchers

Tropical Retreat Spa, Laguna

Indulge yourself with the ultimate spa experience with highly trained therapists at Oasis Spa Phuket, at the Tropical Retreat Spa in Laguna.

Terms and conditions
This offer is valid for travellers to Thailand under “Phuket Sandbox” program with valid Certificate of Entry (COE) number departing from Australia. Travellers must travel to Phuket before 30th September 2021.
Vouchers are available for first 300 eligible travellers. The voucher is non-transferable, non-refundable, and not redeemable for cash.
The voucher must be presented upon arrival and is available for use at Oasis Spa (Tropical Retreat Spa, Laguna Phuket. Tel. 076 337777)
Pre-booking is required and subject to availability.

Complimentary Half Day Tours

Option 1 PES Canopy Walkway (Phuket Elephant Sanctuary)

This 90-minute program is a first-of-its kind experience in Thailand and takes ethical tourism to new heights – literally! Explore our new, 500 meter-long canopy walkway and observe 12 rescued elephants as they roam, forage, bathe and socialise freely in the jungle below.

Our tour guides will be happy to share the story of each elephant, and to provide you with interesting facts about the largest land mammal on earth. The program also includes an opportunity to feed some of the elephants, as well as a complimentary T-Shirt.

At the end of the tour we serve refreshing iced sodas and unlimited snacks from our snack bar while you can rest and enjoy the serenity of the sanctuary. Transfer Joined roundtrip transfers included from any accommodation in the Phuket province and back to the same location.

Option 2 Half Day Phuket City

What to do in phuket when it rains: Old Phuket Town
Old Phuket Town

There is a lot to see of Phuket away from its pretty beaches. This sightseeing tour takes us inland to Phuket Town, home to the small enclave of Phuket Old Town which is brimming with Sino-Portuguese architecture. Exploring this part of the island takes us back to yesteryear when Phuket was in the midst of a tin boom that brought its initial affluence and its grand architecture.

We then head to Phromthep Cape which has sublime views across the water, making it a popular photography spot.

Promthep Cape
Phromthep Cape

Transfer Transfers included from any accommodation in the Phuket province and back to the same location.

How to Claim:

Email: info@thailand.net.au with scanned Certificate of Entry (COE)
Tel: 029247 7549