New 'Hiker School' Initiative Launched at Khao Yai National Park

On July 31, 2026, Suchart Chomklin, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, officially inaugurated the 'Hiker School: First Steps into the Wild with Understanding' project at Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province. According to Khaosod Online Thailand, the initiative aims to develop a nationwide network of 'Conservation Hiking Instructors' to elevate the standards of nature-based tourism in Thailand.

A primary objective of the program is to integrate the 'Leave No Trace' concept into the culture of Thai tourism, ensuring that visitors minimize their environmental impact while exploring protected areas. During the launch event, Minister Suchart presented 'Hiker School' eco-tourism classroom signs to national parks that have successfully completed the instructor training curriculum. The ceremony was attended by key officials, including the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Atthapol Charoenchansa, and Nakhon Nayok Governor Chanon Wasiksiri.

For travelers and residents, this initiative signals a shift toward more regulated and environmentally conscious trekking experiences in Thailand’s national parks. While the program establishes a new framework for conservation-focused hiking, it remains to be seen how these standards will be implemented across all national parks and what specific changes visitors might notice in terms of guided tour availability or park access requirements in the future.