response non-governmental organizations (NGO) and responsible tour operators that have set up projects to reverse the deteriorating situation. These create a tourism product managed by the community for the benefit of the community. One such project is The Community-Based Tourism Development Project at the Akha hill tribe village of Ban Lorcha in ChiangRai Province,Thailand.BanLorcha was established in cooperation with the Population and Community Development Association (PDA). Operating throughout rural Thailand, PDA's programs expound the belief that local people are best suited to shape and sustain their own development - not only as beneficiaries but also as planners, managers and leaders