It is a local organization under the Local Administration Department, Ministry of Interior. Its objective is to administer local public services and local resource management. Roles of TAO in community-based tourism in protected areas are three folds.

          First, the involvement of TAO in community-based tourism in protected area must be encouraged since they are legal entity entitling for budget allocation from the Government.Second, under current Thai Constitution, new protected area cannot be declared unless the TAOs has passed their consent.Third, revenue generated from protected areas has to be allocated about 5 % to TAO.

          It is also under the Ministry of Interior with its main mission is on supporting and encouraging of local learning process and local participation in community development. Institution arrangement that related to community-based tourism in protected areas is the promotion of local community business enterprises, including tourism enterprise so that local economy and social welfare will be enhanced. However, their works regard community-based tourism development has just started.
          Their work on promotion and development of “Tambon product” is given high attention from the Government. In several Tambons, tourism is selected to be such outstanding Tambon product managed by local communities. However, use of tourism resources in protected areas by local communities has to be consented from the protected area authority.