Legal Measures for Management Of Solid Wastes Problems from Homestay A Case Study on Langsuan District and Sawi District

Abstract

As natural resources dwindle, experiencing nature through community tourism grows more popular, benefiting local residents who house tourists to earn income. The goal is earn a sustainable income, but homestay tourism creates solid waste problems, impacting natural resources, the environment, and community dwellers.

Related solid wastes issues from homestay tourism arise due to legal contexts and implementing diverse activities. Unlike traditional hotels, homestay housing is voluntary and unregulated, leading to uncontrolled pollution. This research studied legal measures and policy guidelines related to community tourism: Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004); Ministerial Regulations on the Types and Guidelines of Hotel Business Operation B.E. 2551 (2008); and The Announcement of the Department of Tourism on Thai Homestay Standards B.E. 2554 (2011). Legal measures addressing solid waste and pollution issues include the National Environmental Quality Act, B.E. 2535 (1992) and empowerment of local governments as government agencies supervising communities, like the Public Health Act, B.E.2535 (1992); Maintenance of the Cleanliness and Orderliness of the Country Act B.E. 2535 (1997); and Tambon Council and Sub-District Administrative Organization Act, B.E. 2537 (1994). The goal was to analyze problems and formulate solutions arising from homestay tourism-related pollution and solid waste problems, to develop environmental governance for this tourism sector in Thailand.  Results were that to environmentally supervise homestay tourism, economic incentives should be offered to promote tourism least impactful on natural resources and the environment.