Building this Thai villa
Rather than "outsource" the construction of Green Gecko, we wished to maximize local employment, not only to demonstrate the skills of the local villagers and to provide a showcase for various craftsmen, but also to generate a direct income for them within their own neighbourhood as part of our support of sustainable, responsible tourism.
This was a welcome respite to the many people involved in the project, as they were paid directly rather than through a middleman, and were able to remain with their families whilst working, rather than having to move to Bangkok or elsewhere to seek work.
Several of those who worked on Green Gecko had formerly worked on Gecko Villa, and it was rewarding for them to see that their original efforts had led to further employment and growth.
Where building materials for the villa could not be produced locally, we selected suppliers who in turn promote local knowledge and traditions, using hand made terracotta tiles for the roof and hand produced ceramic tiles for the swimming pool. Each of these suppliers is based upcountry and provide regional employment out of Bangkok.
The team who built Green Gecko enjoyed working on this project close to their homes and community, and do hope that you will enjoy staying here!
The Villa construction team
The team that constructed Green Gecko was comprised entirely of local villagers, predominantly from the two villages in the immediate vicinity of the house - Baan Um Jaan and Baan Koke Lante. Often, husbands and wives worked together, employing the skills that they had acquired working either elsewhere in Thailand or, in some cases, overseas.
Sustainable, responsible tourism
Through Green Gecko we aim to show that sustainable, responsible tourism may be applied effectively to the benefit of both the locals themselves as well as that of our guests.
Our desire to create and maintain immediately indigenous employment led to our decision to ensure that Green Gecko was both built and operated by local families, who then use local produce and services in the day to day running of the villa. All revenues are distributed within the local community, and we aim to support reforestation, waste disposal programmes and education wherever possible.
By simply choosing Green Gecko for your next holiday you are helping our efforts. Should you wish to support more proactively, please do not hesitate to contact us, whether you wish to help by planting trees, protecting the natural eco-systems, donating to a local school (perhaps an old notebook you no longer use?) or in any other way you choose!
We are proud to be associated with Responsible Travel and members of the Travel Forum.