"The Eco Tourism Hero" launched in Thailand's tourism sites

BANGKOK, May 2 (TNA) - The Thai government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, has launched "The Eco Tourism Hero" initiative to revive and further develop the country's tourist sites, taking the environmenal and ecological conservation into main account. While presiding over a ceremony in Bangkok to launch the initiative, Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat said it is a need to take good care of the country's tourist sites, including their surrounding environmental and ecological systems, in order to maintain their good conditions and natural attractions. Besides, local communities and people visiting to the Thai tourist sites should join hands to take good care of the places and maintain their conditions and natural charms on the sustainable basis. The minister took the opportunity to welcome over 300 volunteers, including young actors, actresses and other artists, who are joining in the initiative to help revive and develop Thai tourist attractions, with the Mu Koh Chang National Park in the eastern Trat Province, the Prasae River Mouth Community in the eastern Rayong Province and the Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park in the western Kanchanaburi Province being launched as the pilot projects. According to the minister, volunteer activities under the initiative include gathering of garbage for a proper disposal or recycling system and cleaning of their facilities, namely rest rooms, shopping areas and information signs. Inviting more volunteers to join in "The Eco Tourism Hero" initiative, the minister cited as a good example that the Mu Koh Chang National Park in Trat alone has been found up to 500 kilograms of garbage a day on average on its beach, which need to be properly addressed to become a model for other national parks in Thailand, all of which welcome a total of over 19.6 million international visitors yearly. (TNA)