Spotlight Koh Tao 2024
Friday 03 May 2024 - Sunday 05 May 2024
Ko Tao
Sustainability
Event Detail
ABOUT SPOTLIGHT
Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, the island of Koh Tao is a small tropical paradise with lush landscapes and a vibrant underwater world. Recognized as one of the world's premier diving destinations, it attracts approximately five hundred thousand international visitors annually and contributes over 20 billion Baht to the country's economy. While it benefits from a thriving economy, the local community also recognizes the importance of preserving the natural wonders of the paradise they call home. In an effort to promote sustainable tourism, the Koh Tao Tourism Association proudly presents Spotlight Koh Tao–a three-day festival that showcases the island’s commitment to conservation. Through a series of twelve marine and land activities led by various local initiatives, its program offers visitors new ways to explore the island while inspiring them to participate in conservation endeavors. Aligned with the Bio-Circular-Green economic model (BCG) outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the activities featured in the program not only reflect the community’s dedication to preserving its natural resources and developing sustainably but also represent a new paradigm for tourism. Since its debut in 2022, the festival has evolved into an annual event that garnered significant attention and positive feedback from participants, including tourists, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, global media outlets and international attendees. Moreover, the event has become highly anticipated among the community as it stimulates tourism and generates considerable income for businesses. This further encourages them to participate in the island’s conservation efforts by adopting green and responsible practices that prioritizes and optimizes natural resources. Thus, this collective effort has the potential to transform the island into a model for sustainable tourism and ensure a future for the generations to come. As it continues its mission, the Koh Tao Tourism Association, in collaboration with local business owners, is proud to present the third edition of Spotlight Koh Tao Festival, which will take place in May 2024.
OBJECTIVES
1. Organize a sustainable festival event
2. Stimulate tourism and income to the island
3. Promote sustainable tourism with environmentally responsible activities
4. Support local initiatives and organizations aligned with the BCG economic model
5. Encourage local businesses to join in conservation efforts and adopt the BCG model
6. Showcase and sell environmentally friendly products
EXPECTED RESULTS
1. Festival infrastructure made of environmentally friendly and recycled materials
2. 12 marine and land activities aligned with the BCG economic model
3. 50 booths showcasing environmentally-friendly products from different sectors
4. Minimum 10,000 Thai and International participants
5. Generate between 30-40 million Baht income for local businesses
6. DATE & LOCATION Aow Leuk Beach, Moo 3, Koh Tao, Surat Thani 3-5 May 2024 (3 days)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
1. 12 marine and land workshops aligned with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) model
1) Coral reef rehabilitation
2) Reef Watch Monitoring
3) Underwater & Beach Clean-up
4) Mooring Line Maintenance
5) Fish Aggregation with Local Fishermen
6) Organic Handmade Products
7) Zero-Waste Thai Cuisine Class
8) Coco Tie-Dye
9) Eco-Print
10) Plas-Tao Workshop
11) Sea Glass Creations
12) Growing for Saving
2. Koh Tao Green Market
3. Mini Dive & Adventure Expo
4. Photo Contest & Exhibition
5. Forum
6. Wellness Activities
7. Koh Tao International Sports Day
8. Music & Art
What
ABOUT SPOTLIGHT
Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, the island of Koh Tao is a small tropical paradise with lush landscapes and a vibrant underwater world. Recognized as one of the world's premier diving destinations, it attracts approximately five hundred thousand international visitors annually and contributes over 20 billion Baht to the country's economy. While it benefits from a thriving economy, the local community also recognizes the importance of preserving the natural wonders of the paradise they call home. In an effort to promote sustainable tourism, the Koh Tao Tourism Association proudly presents Spotlight Koh Tao–a three-day festival that showcases the island’s commitment to conservation. Through a series of twelve marine and land activities led by various local initiatives, its program offers visitors new ways to explore the island while inspiring them to participate in conservation endeavors. Aligned with the Bio-Circular-Green economic model (BCG) outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the activities featured in the program not only reflect the community’s dedication to preserving its natural resources and developing sustainably but also represent a new paradigm for tourism. Since its debut in 2022, the festival has evolved into an annual event that garnered significant attention and positive feedback from participants, including tourists, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, global media outlets and international attendees. Moreover, the event has become highly anticipated among the community as it stimulates tourism and generates considerable income for businesses. This further encourages them to participate in the island’s conservation efforts by adopting green and responsible practices that prioritizes and optimizes natural resources. Thus, this collective effort has the potential to transform the island into a model for sustainable tourism and ensure a future for the generations to come. As it continues its mission, the Koh Tao Tourism Association, in collaboration with local business owners, is proud to present the third edition of Spotlight Koh Tao Festival, which will take place in May 2024.
OBJECTIVES
1. Organize a sustainable festival event
2. Stimulate tourism and income to the island
3. Promote sustainable tourism with environmentally responsible activities
4. Support local initiatives and organizations aligned with the BCG economic model
5. Encourage local businesses to join in conservation efforts and adopt the BCG model
6. Showcase and sell environmentally friendly products
EXPECTED RESULTS
1. Festival infrastructure made of environmentally friendly and recycled materials
2. 12 marine and land activities aligned with the BCG economic model
3. 50 booths showcasing environmentally-friendly products from different sectors
4. Minimum 10,000 Thai and International participants
5. Generate between 30-40 million Baht income for local businesses
6. DATE & LOCATION Aow Leuk Beach, Moo 3, Koh Tao, Surat Thani 3-5 May 2024 (3 days)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
1. 12 marine and land workshops aligned with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) model
1) Coral reef rehabilitation
2) Reef Watch Monitoring
3) Underwater & Beach Clean-up
4) Mooring Line Maintenance
5) Fish Aggregation with Local Fishermen
6) Organic Handmade Products
7) Zero-Waste Thai Cuisine Class
8) Coco Tie-Dye
9) Eco-Print
10) Plas-Tao Workshop
11) Sea Glass Creations
12) Growing for Saving
2. Koh Tao Green Market
3. Mini Dive & Adventure Expo
4. Photo Contest & Exhibition
5. Forum
6. Wellness Activities
7. Koh Tao International Sports Day
8. Music & Art
Agenda
Choose location to display agenda
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09:30 am - 10:30 am
Opening parade (on land and sea)
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
The opening of Spotlight Koh Tao 2024 will begin with a parade stretching 250 m from the entrance to the festival event area in Aow Luek.
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10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Opening Ceremony of Koh Tao International Sports Day and Koh Tao Green Market:
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
By Mr. Pongsak Jakaew, Chief Executive of the Surat Thani Provincial Administrative Organizations The opening ceremony activities comprise of: 1) Kita Muay Thai performance (Thai boxing dance) by Ban Koh Tao School Students 2) Island Runway/ Fashion Show by the Beach Koh Tao International Sports Day (Paddle Board, Sea Boxing competitions)
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12:00 pm - 01:00 pm
Lunch with Locals
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
We invite you to join us for a traditional local lunch by the beach.
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01:00 pm - 03:00 pm
Koh Tao International Sports Day
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
- Thai traditional game competitions - The first round of marine and beach sports competition: beach volleyball competition
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02:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Learning Pavilion in the Bay; a seminar-workshop
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
“Producing eco-friendly bricks from recyclables to reduce trash on the island” By Mr. Prapan Suanleng and Mr. Panipol Apichitsakul, E2C group ”Waste management and innovation in processing/adding value to plastic waste on the island” By Ms. Witchuda Damnuenyut, founder of Plas-Tao
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04:00 pm - 05:30 pm
Spotlight by the Reef Forum 12+ Local Green Acts (BCG)
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
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05:30 pm - 06:30 pm
Official Opening Ceremony of Spotlight Koh Tao 2024
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
- Solo saxophone performance (10 minutes) - Circular Dance performance “Koh Tao, our home - pleasant, tourist attractive, sustainable” by Petchjarassaeng band, together with Ban Koh Tao school and Koh Tao locals (About Koh Tao history) (10 minutes) - Welcome speech from Mr. Wacharin Fasiriporn, the mayor of Koh Tao sub-district - Speech about the event background from Mrs. Rumluek Assavachin, the President of Koh Tao Tourism Association - Opening speech from the Minister of Tourism and Sports (TBC) - Opening ceremony of “Green Acts on Isle” by the chairman and honoured guests - Photo shoot
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06:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Music / DJs
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
Choose location to display agenda
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10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Koh Tao Green Market and Koh Tao Mini Dive & Adventure Expo Koh Tao International Sports Day [Cont.]
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
Beach volleyball, Pétanque, Sea Boxing, Stand Up Paddle Board competitions
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10:00 am - 11:30 am
Learning Pavilion in the Bay; a seminar-workshop: Cooking Charm with islander dishes
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
By local island chef
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01:00 pm - 02:00 pm
Talks by the cliff “Innovation development to manage tourism waste to process into new products”(Day2)
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
Prof.Dr.Wechsawan Lakas (Dr. Pow), Professor at Industrial Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. A waste innovator, who founded Green Road. Valuing single-use plastic as a resource. Topic “Innovation development to manage tourism waste to process into new products”
Speaker ศ.ดร.เวชสวรรค์ หล้ากาศ
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02:00 pm - 03:00 pm
Talks by the cliff “Sustainable Tourism Product Development into the World Market”(Day2)
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
representatives from Tourism Authority of Thailand Topic “Sustainable Tourism Product Development into the World Market”
Speaker นาง น้ำฝน บุณยะวัฒน์
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03:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Spotlight by the Reef Forum: Stories behind photographs (Day2)
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
By photographers from the Koh Tao Photo Contest & Exhibition
Speaker คุณ วินิจ รังผึ้ง
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06:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Music/ DJs
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
Choose location to display agenda
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10:00 am - 04:00 pm
Participate in one of 12+ Local Green Acts
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
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10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Koh Tao Green Market และ Koh Tao Mini Dive and Adventure Expo
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
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10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Talks by the cliff “B-C-G market with sustainable island tourism”, together with 12+ Local Green Acts(Day3)
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
Dr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Senator and former Minister of Tourism and Sports under the topic “B-C-G market with sustainable island tourism”, together with 12+ Local Green Acts
Speaker ดร.วีระศักดิ์ โค้วสุรัตน์
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02:00 pm - 03:00 pm
Learning Pavilion in the Bay; a seminar-workshop: Sharing experiences from underwater classroom(Day3)
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
By Thai & foreigners divers who have done conservation diving activities in Koh Tao
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02:00 pm - 04:00 pm
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03:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Spotlight by the Reef Forum: Sculptures from leftover materials
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
By those who created the sculptures
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04:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Spotlight by the Reef Forum: “Carbon Neutral”(DAY3)
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
By representatives from TETA
Speaker คุณ ปาริชาต สุนทรารักษ์
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05:30 pm - 06:30 pm
Closing ceremony
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
An awards ceremony for sporting event winners A thank you presentation for the organizers of the 12+ Local Green Acts activities.
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06:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Music/ DJs
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
Meet our speaker
นายประพันธ์ ซ้วนเล่ง
Position : อาสาสมัครกลุ่ม E2C
Worked at : E2C
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02:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Learning Pavilion in the Bay; a seminar-workshop
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
“Producing eco-friendly bricks from recyclables to reduce trash on the island” By Mr. Prapan Suanleng and Mr. Panipol Apichitsakul, E2C group ”Waste management and innovation in processing/adding value to plastic waste on the island” By Ms. Witchuda Damnuenyut, founder of Plas-Tao
นาย ภณิพล อภิชิตสกุล
Position : อาสาสมัครกลุ่ม E2C
Worked at : E2C
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02:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Learning Pavilion in the Bay; a seminar-workshop
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
“Producing eco-friendly bricks from recyclables to reduce trash on the island” By Mr. Prapan Suanleng and Mr. Panipol Apichitsakul, E2C group ”Waste management and innovation in processing/adding value to plastic waste on the island” By Ms. Witchuda Damnuenyut, founder of Plas-Tao
คุณ วิชชุดา ดําเนินยุทธ
Position : ผู้ก่อตั่ง Plas-Tao
Worked at : Plas-Tao
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02:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Learning Pavilion in the Bay; a seminar-workshop
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
“Producing eco-friendly bricks from recyclables to reduce trash on the island” By Mr. Prapan Suanleng and Mr. Panipol Apichitsakul, E2C group ”Waste management and innovation in processing/adding value to plastic waste on the island” By Ms. Witchuda Damnuenyut, founder of Plas-Tao
ศ.ดร.เวชสวรรค์ หล้ากาศ
Position : อาจารย์ประจําภาควิชา เทคโนโลยีอุตสาหกรรม คณะวิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Worked at : มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏเชียงใหม่
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01:00 pm - 02:00 pm
Talks by the cliff “Innovation development to manage tourism waste to process into new products”(Day2)
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
Prof.Dr.Wechsawan Lakas (Dr. Pow), Professor at Industrial Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. A waste innovator, who founded Green Road. Valuing single-use plastic as a resource. Topic “Innovation development to manage tourism waste to process into new products”
Speaker ศ.ดร.เวชสวรรค์ หล้ากาศ
นาง น้ำฝน บุณยะวัฒน์
Position : รองผู้ว่าการด้านนโยบายและแผน
Worked at : การท่องเที่ยวแห่งประเทศไทย
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02:00 pm - 03:00 pm
Talks by the cliff “Sustainable Tourism Product Development into the World Market”(Day2)
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
representatives from Tourism Authority of Thailand Topic “Sustainable Tourism Product Development into the World Market”
Speaker นาง น้ำฝน บุณยะวัฒน์
ดร.วีระศักดิ์ โค้วสุรัตน์
Position : สมาชิกวุฒิสภาและอดีตรัฐมนตรี กระทรวงการท่องเที่ยวและกีฬา
Worked at :
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10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Talks by the cliff “B-C-G market with sustainable island tourism”, together with 12+ Local Green Acts(Day3)
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
Dr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Senator and former Minister of Tourism and Sports under the topic “B-C-G market with sustainable island tourism”, together with 12+ Local Green Acts
Speaker ดร.วีระศักดิ์ โค้วสุรัตน์
คุณ ปาริชาต สุนทรารักษ์
Position : อุปนายกสมาไทยท่องเที่ยวเชิงอนุรักษ์และผจญภัย
Worked at : สมาคมไทยท่องเที่ยวเชิงอนุรักษ์และผจญภัย
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04:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Spotlight by the Reef Forum: “Carbon Neutral”(DAY3)
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
By representatives from TETA
Speaker คุณ ปาริชาต สุนทรารักษ์
คุณ วินิจ รังผึ้ง
Position : อดีตผู้อำนวยการฝ่ายวิจัยและพัฒนาด้านการท่องเที่ยว การท่องเที่ยวแห่งประเทศไทย (ททท.)
Worked at : การท่องเที่ยวแห่งประเทศไทย
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03:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Spotlight by the Reef Forum: Stories behind photographs (Day2)
Aow Luek, Koh Tao
By photographers from the Koh Tao Photo Contest & Exhibition
Speaker คุณ วินิจ รังผึ้ง
Exhibitor
Supported by
How to get there
Event contact
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kohtaotourismassociationKohtao
Direction to Venue
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Taxi-
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BTS-
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By foot-
Venue detail
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Koh Tao Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani 84360
