Darunee Wiriyaiamphigoon, Development Official, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization)
Sustainable tourism isn’t just about preserving destinations; it’s about balancing economic, society, environment, and community needs—a challenge that falls heavily on the shoulders of Darunee Wiriyaiamphigoon. As a Development Official at the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) in Uthong, Suphanburi, she is a driving force behind projects that shape Thailand’s future as a sustainable travel destination.
DASTA is a public organization established in 2003 to promote sustainable tourism in Thailand. This organization aims to balance economic, social, and environmental factors to benefit local communities while preserving natural and cultural heritage. In Uthong, DASTA focuses on community-based tourism, preserving local traditions, and ensuring sustainable development.
Pioneering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Tourism
At DASTA, innovation meets dedication through strategic deployment of technology. Understanding the complexity of sustainable tourism projects, the organization embraces AI and digital tools to enhance efficiency and empower its development officials. Darunee exemplifies this modern approach. Managing multiple high-impact projects simultaneously, she leverages cutting-edge technology to streamline processes and maximize outcomes. Through AI-assisted workflows, she transforms complex project management into strategic achievements that benefit local communities.
Innovation in the Face of Adversity
Her most recent project, proposing the installation of solar-powered for electricity production around the provincial Buddhist park in Suphan Buri including the construction of a renewable energy management learning center in the same area, which is a famous tourist attraction in U Thong District, Suphan Buri, was a turning point. In the past, convincing stakeholders required endless explanations and lengthy reports. But with Microsoft Copilot, a Microsoft AI tool, she visualized success before it even happened—generating images of success that allowed decision-makers to see the impact, not just read about it.
This breakthrough wasn’t just about technology—it was about changing the way sustainable projects gain momentum. AI became more than a tool; it became her silent teammate, helping her double-check proposals, streamline workflows, and reduce redundant tasks. Instead of drowning in paperwork, she could focus on creativity, strategy, and real impact.
Revolutionizing the Proposal Process
Lately, Darunee has revolutionized the proposal process. By presenting visualizations of the solar cells and learning center, she enables stakeholders to envision success more clearly. This approach not only accelerates understanding but also expedites the budget approval process, ultimately bringing sustainable tourism efforts in Uthong to fruition more swiftly.
A Future Where Tourism Sustainability Meets Smart Solutions
“Let AI handle the routine work so we can focus on creativity and actually enjoy life,” she shares, highlighting DASTA’s commitment to work-life integration through smart solutions. This approach allows development officials to channel their energy into what truly matters—innovation, community development, and creating lasting positive impact.
Her hope for Thailand’s sustainable tourism isn’t just about preserving landscapes or cultural heritage—it’s about creating a smarter, more efficient system that empowers those who make it happen.
Darunee is one of the 120,000 government officials who joined the Microsoft AI Skills Initiative to receive Microsoft Copilot training. This training aims to enhance efficiency and productivity in serving citizens and promote the digital transformation of the bureaucratic system, ultimately benefiting the public as a whole.
“Sustainable tourism is not just about bringing visitors to a place—it’s about ensuring that local communities thrive alongside it. At DASTA, we see AI as a bridge between tourism, people, and innovation, a tool that empowers our people.”
Ms. Darunee Wiriyaiamphigoon, Designated Areas Development Officer from Uthong, Suphanburi, is a good example of commitment to what truly matters: preserving heritage, fostering local communities, and creating meaningful travel experiences. With AI-driven operations, we achieve the efficiency and agility we deserve.
“As our organization moves forward, our aspiration is not just to sustain tourism but to make our efforts smarter, more inclusive, and deeply rooted in every mission and all nine designated areas around Thailand.” — Dr. Chuwit Mitrchob, Deputy Director of Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)
Darunee Wiriyaiamphigoon, Development Official at the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) in Uthong, Suphanburi, in her role of managing sustainable development projects, focusing on delivering tangible impacts for local communities and driving sustainable tourism to make the difference.
Darunee’s prompt is the game changer in transforming both her career and local development.
Close look of her image generated by AI that revolutionized the proposal process.