Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Natthira Phaengkhun, recently opened the DASTA Forum: DASTA Fast Forward, organized by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA). The forum brought together government agencies, private sector representatives, and tourism stakeholders to promote understanding and exchange knowledge on Thailand's sustainable tourism development models.

In her opening remarks, the Deputy Permanent Secretary noted that despite the global economic slowdown, tourism remains a vital driver of economic growth. She also emphasized that continuously developing high-quality destinations through collaborative efforts across agencies is key to achieving sustainability, supporting local communities economically, and enhancing Thailand's competitive edge globally.

During the event, six outstanding Thai destinations received Green Destination Top 100 Awards 2025. Among them, Sukhothai Old Town in Sukhothai Province earned the prestigious Green Destination Gold Award 2025 for its excellence in cultural heritage management, conservation, and strong community participation.

The DASTA Forum marks another significant milestone in strengthening Thailand’s sustainable tourism framework and reinforcing the country’s position in the global tourism arena.