On 23–27 February 2026, the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), in collaboration with the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) (DASTA) and the Tourism Development Department of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), conducted the activity entitled “The Assessment and Advancement of Community-Based Ecotourism of Feuang District toward International Standards,” which marked the final activity of the Project on Community-Based Ecotourism and implemented under the three-year Thailand–Lao PDR Development Cooperation Plan (2023–2025). The closing and handover ceremony was also held in Feuang District, Lao PDR.

On this occasion, Mrs. Chachsaran Lertkiattiwong, Director of the International Development Cooperation Division, attended the session to review and provide comments on the tourism assessment results for Feuang District based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC).The director also delivered the closing remarks, together with Mr. Khampha Louangsamath,Vice Chairman of Feuang District Administration Committee and Mr. Saipasong Vongsack,Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR.

The project aims to strengthen community-based ecotourism and promote responsible tourism in accordance with international standards. Under the activity, DASTA and the Feuang District Committee conducted a tourism assessment based on the GSTC. The assessment results will serve as a guideline for sustainable tourism development and support the advancement of tourism destinations toward international standards. The implementation of the project successfully achieved its objectives through the active participation of the public sector, private sector, and local communities, which have applied the knowledge and experience gained from the project to further develop “Sam Muen Toup Feuang” as a cultural showcase area for local traditions and wisdom. The area is also a marketplace for local products and traditional cuisine, contributing to local economic development and Feuang district tourism.