Thailand is stepping up its efforts to protect its marine environments with the launch of the Coral College initiative, a bilingual online learning platform designed to promote safe and sustainable marine tourism. Officially unveiled in Phuket on 24 July 2025, the project is the result of collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Chiang Mai University and a diverse group of local tourism development partners.
Coral College offers short, interactive modules in both Thai and English that educate travellers on key issues such as reef protection, safe snorkelling and freediving practices, and the importance of minimising human impact on marine life. With Thailand welcoming more than 6 million marine tourists each year, officials see the programme as a vital step in preventing damage to fragile ecosystems. Miss Wajanan Silpawornwiwat, Executive Director for TAT’s Southern Region, noted: “Coral College encourages travellers to approach Thailand’s marine environments with greater care and awareness.”
Modules at the College are delivered via mobile-friendly platforms and include quizzes, videos and gamified elements. Tourists who complete the lessons receive digital certificates and small rewards such as eco-friendly souvenirs, provided through partnerships with marine tour operators. Early rollouts are being targeted in Phuket, but expansion plans are already underway to extend coverage to other major marine destinations, including Krabi, Trang, Satun, Chumphon and Surat Thani.
The programme also seeks to strengthen cooperation between the tourism sector and environmental groups. Local dive centres and tour operators will be encouraged to integrate Coral College curricula into their pre-departure briefings, while boat operators are being asked to distribute these materials and encourage participation. By creating a standardised approach to marine education, TAT hopes to instil a culture of respect and responsibility among all visitors.
For tourism operators, Coral College represents both an environmental and a commercial opportunity. Responsible marine tourism is increasingly a key selling point for international travellers, particularly those from Europe and North America. By showcasing a clear commitment to sustainability and visitor safety, Thailand is positioning itself as a destination of choice for divers, snorkellers and nature enthusiasts who want to enjoy the country’s world-class reefs without leaving a negative footprint.
Coral College is part of a broader suite of TAT initiatives aimed at embedding sustainability into Thailand’s tourism growth. Alongside beach clean-ups, coral restoration projects and ecofriendly certification for operators, the programme illustrates the country’s determination to balance booming visitor numbers with long-term environmental care.
