KOH MAK, THAILAND – A small island in eastern Thailand has built a rare model of tourism that prioritizes nature and community over rapid growth.
Families keep control of land and tourism
Koh Mak in Trat province, home to around 530 residents, has long resisted the arrival of mass tourism and large-scale investors. The island’s strategy is rooted in land ownership: most of the area remains in the hands of descendants of five original families.
“Almost all the land belongs to the heirs of our five original families. Our ancestors once came from Koh Kong when Thailand concluded territorial agreements with France,”
said Noppadol Sutthithanakul, chairman of the Ao Nid Integrated Agriculture Enterprise Group and head of the Koh Mak Coral Conservation Group. He explained that this shared ownership has prevented land from being sold to outsiders for generations, blocking takeovers by major hotel chains or corporations. With a small population and a village-style way of life, residents closely monitor development, leaving little room for large projects.
Eight-point charter shapes visitor behavior
At the heart of Koh Mak’s approach is an eight-point community charter displayed at every pier. The rules bind both residents and visitors and are designed to protect the island from harmful activities. They include a ban on tourists bringing cars or motorcycles to the island and a cap on scooter rentals at 70% of total hotel capacity. Foam products and single-use packaging that generate waste are forbidden, and there is a strict quiet period between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Chemical-intensive agriculture is not allowed, and there is zero tolerance for illegal drug possession or use. Motorized watersports that might disturb the community are also prohibited. In addition, international retail chains such as large convenience-store brands are not permitted to operate on Koh Mak.
“This protects local shops and preserves our simple village economy,”
said Noppadol.
The restrictive framework acts as a filter. The island mainly attracts visitors who value tranquillity, nature and sustainability, many of them from Europe, particularly Germany. Guests tend to stay longer than in more commercial destinations, often for several weeks. Unlike Koh Chang or Phuket, where mass tourism is dominant, Koh Mak focuses on stability and quality of life rather than growth at any cost.
Tight administration and model waste system
Island administration is handled by the Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO), led by president Non Suwatchananon. With an area of about 13 square kilometres, Koh Mak can be inspected regularly. The SAO checks resorts and homestays for permits and works to prevent illegal construction. The island offers between 500 and 550 rooms, roughly half of them in high-end properties rated 4.5 to 5 stars.
Waste management, a challenge in many tourist areas, is cited as exemplary on Koh Mak. At a five-rai (about 0.8-hectare) center, up to seven tonnes of rubbish are sorted and processed daily. Organic waste is used for vegetable production, while remaining materials are handled through sustainable disposal methods. Energy supply is split between electricity delivered via an undersea cable from neighboring islands and solar-powered street lighting, combining traditional infrastructure with modern technology.
Model for sustainable tourism elsewhere
According to Sirikorn Chiewsamut, director of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta), Koh Mak’s success rests on consistent management and close cooperation among all stakeholders.
“Every region has its own identity. The key is not to make everything the same, but to learn from one another,”
said Sirikorn, adding that the Koh Mak model could guide other provinces seeking to develop sustainable tourism.
Supporters describe the island as a kind of protected heritage house: local families hold the keys, the rules are clear, and visitors are expected to respect the house rules so that the delicate balance between community and nature can endure.