Business & Economy

Thailand, one of the top tourist destinations in the world [1], is well known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and stunning beaches and islands. In 2023, the southern province of Krabi, situated on Thailand’s Andaman Sea Coast and approximately 150 kilometers from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, had over 3.4 million visitors [2] come to enjoy its breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture. Even though the province attracts such a large number of tourists and can generate significant income, it still has challenges such as economic disparities, infrastructure development, as well as human capital enhancement. 

A Decade of Research and Development in Krabi

Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President and researcher at Walailak University, has spent over a decade working with his team in Krabi to enhance the province’s potential across various areas, including tourism, agriculture, and people’s quality of life. He shared that the team started working in the province in 2011. “The first project we worked on in Krabi was to enhance the tourism sector, which was funded by Thailand Research Fund. Then, we participated in the creation of the Krabi Declaration 2013. We had meetings with all relevant stakeholders, such as the governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Krabi Tourism Association, Krabi Hotel Association, and local entrepreneurs.”

In 2013, Walailak University research team participated in the analysis of the shift in the market structure due to a significant increase in Chinese and Russian tourists to the province. They also researched on pivoting Koh Lunta as a model for sustainable tourism. In 2014, the team together with Tourism Authority of Thailand and Huai Nam Khao Subdistrict Administrative Organization collaborated to work on sustainable development of Saline Hot Spring Khlong Thom by incorporating Geophysics and Social Science to manage the tourist destination. The aim is to enhance tourists' experience and boost community economics while considering the impacts it might have on the environment. The hot spring is one of the rare saline hot springs in the world, where spring water combines with deep-sea water beneath the earth’s surface before emerging. Its water contains over 9 grams of salt per liter and temperatures ranging from 40 to 47 degrees Celsius. The hot spring water is believed to help alleviate ailments such as joint pain and blood circulation. This project later resulted in Dr. Siwarit receiving the Outstanding Research Award in Policy from the Thailand Research Fund in 2015.

“The ultimate goal of our research and academic services is to address local issues. We begin by engaging with those directly affected and the local stakeholders. As such, every project we undertake involves active participation from the private sector, government agencies, and the community. Their contributions are integral to the success of all initiatives,” Dr. Siwarit said.

Krabi Model: Solving Challenges with Sustainability

Another prominent example of how the WU research team together with efforts from related organizations helps locals in tackling economic challenges is through the Krabi Model project. “The project is designed to solve problems in the area as well as equipping people with marketing knowledge, enabling them to become more self-reliant and live sustainably,” Dr. Siwarit explained.

The project adopted a value network of community enterprises, governmental agencies, private businesses, hotels, the chamber of commerce, restaurants, and researchers to help create dual circulation. The dual circulation is a strategy for distributing products based on producing goods for local consumption within the community, with surplus production being sold externally once it becomes plentiful, thereby generating income from outside. Responsibilities among communities were also allocated to minimize overlap.

“One of the most common issues we found is that communities often focus on monomarketing or single-product enterprises, which eventually leads to market competition. To address this, we adopt a value-market approach, involving every related sector to create a circulation of resources both within Krabi and externally, generating income from outside the province once production capacity is met,” he explained.

The Krabi Model consisted of projects such as increasing oil palm production, raising goats in palm plantations, cultivating feather algae, cultivating bamboo mushrooms which can be used to extract Hyaluronic Acid for use in cosmetics, and creating Tie-dye Batik fabric with unique local identity. The results are evident as can be seen by an increase in the average income of locals up to 10,000 Baht per month per family or an increase in oil palm production to 4.5 tons per rai per year from 3.5 tons per rai per year. 

Dr. Siwarit said that even though the Krabi Model project is concluded, locals and related organizations still continue their work and drive forward. The province also allocated a budget for support. “The goal of the project is that once it is completed, we can step back, and the area can continue to run independently. This is considered a true success of our work,” Dr. Siwarit added. 

 
Raising goats in palm plantations

 
Cultivating feather algae (left) and Tie-dye Batik fabric with unique local identity (right)

Krabi Blueprint: A Vision for Blue Zone City in 2045

Due to the long-standing work with Krabi Province, Walailak University now has the opportunity to play a role in creating the Krabi Blueprint, which outlines the province’s desired direction for development. “Development often depends on the vision of individual governors, which sometimes can lead to inconsistency. However, the creation of the Blueprint serves as a master plan, laying out a clear path for Krabi’s future development. While adjustments may be needed in the future, it establishes a direction, leading to the formulation of Krabi Bluezone in 2045,” said Dr. Siwarit.

By 2045, Krabi Province aims to become a complete Blue Zone City, where people live healthier and longer than average, with low stress and strong social interactions. Currently, there are five officially recognized blue zones in the world [3]. These include Ikaria Island in Greece, Okinawa Island in Japan, Ogliastra Region in Italy, Loma Linda in the USA, and Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.

Dr. Siwarit explained that a Blue Zone refers to a city where more than 100 residents are over 100 years old. It signifies a community where people enjoy a high quality of life, thriving in physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, alongside a healthy environment. “This concept aligns seamlessly with Krabi's 20-year strategic plan. Achieving such a vision relies heavily on collaborative efforts and the active participation of all relevant stakeholders to form a robust collaboration network, bringing the plan to fruition," he said.

The Blueprint for Change Krabi is divided into four phases. The First Phase, Green Tourism with Carbon Neutrality (2026 to 2030), involves Krabi implementing green tourism and carbon offsetting through the purchase of carbon credits. The city will adopt the concept of a Living City, aiming to enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors. For the second phase, Green Health Tourism with Carbon Neutrality (2031 to 2035), Krabi will further promote green tourism and health tourism while the Living City concept will remain central to improving the well-being of residents and visitors. In Phase 3, Blue Zone City (2036 to 2040), Krabi will become a standout destination for green and health tourism, achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions. Both residents and visitors will benefit from measures designed to promote overall well-being and a high quality of life. Finally, in Phase 4, Complete Blue Zone City (2041 to 2045), Krabi will become a premier destination for green tourism and health tourism, achieving the status of a fully Net Zero Carbon city. Both residents and visitors will enjoy optimal well-being.

The Blueprint for Change of Krabi Province is a master plan for development that aims to establish Krabi as a complete Blue Zone city by 2045. It aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). In addition, it covers problem-solving issues in nine areas, including transportation connectivity, human capital development, water management, urban landscape and facility enhancement, sustainable environmental management, the promotion of agricultural efficiency, and the promotion of green and health tourism. If successfully implemented, Krabi Province will become a model for sustainable living and tourism for other provinces. Although the path towards this goal may not be smooth sailing, with the participation and determination of all sectors, it is optimistic that Krabi can achieve its vision, setting an example as a city of sustainability and well-being.




Meeting with relevant organizations in Krabi Province

References

[1] Traveller, C. N. (2024, October 1). The best countries in the world: 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. CN Traveller. https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-countries-world
[2] Phalaharn, K. (2024, January 1). Krabi Tourism Soars: Over 3.4 Million Visitors in 2023, Anticipates 1 Billion Baht Revenue During New Year Celebrations. The Phuket Express. https://thephuketexpress.com/2024/01/01/krabi-tourism-soars-over-3-4-million-visitors-in-2023-anticipates-1-billion-baht-revenue-during-new-year-celebrations/
[3] National Geographic Staff. (2023, September 5). The 5 “Blue Zones” where the world’s healthiest people live. Premium. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/5-blue-zones-where-the-worlds-healthiest-people-live

Photos by Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp
Written by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication