Introduction

Asian Trails Ltd. and its subsidiaries (herein collectively referred to as ‘Asian Trails’) acknowledge their responsibility towards society to be a good corporate citizen. Besides compliance with applicable laws the focus issues for corporate responsibility within Asian Trails are: its employees, sustainable supply chain management, sustainable products, human and labour rights, natural resources and climate change and governance and compliance. In order to reach its goals in the field of Corporate Responsibility, Asian Trails cooperates closely with its own employees, customers, partners such as NGOs, suppliers as well as the local people at the destinations.

This Supplier Code of Conduct serves as guideline to a standard of ethical conduct, values and principles Asian Trails expects its hoteliers, cruise ship operators, excursion providers and any other suppliers (herein referred to as ‘Supplier’ or collectively as ‘Suppliers’) to adhere to when operating for or on behalf of Asian Trails. This Supplier Code of Conduct forms an integral part of Asian Trails’ contracts with its Suppliers. Further, each Supplier shall procure that all persons working for the Supplier (whether employed or not) comply with this Supplier Code of Conduct and that all such persons are appropriately qualified, trained and have the necessary skills and expertise to perform their obligations under this Supplier Code of Conduct.

1. Compliance with Applicable Law

1.1 In General

Asian Trails expects its Suppliers to comply with all applicable international, national and local laws and regulations, industry minimum standards and any other relevant statutory requirements whichever requirements are more stringent.

1.2 Anti-Bribery and -Anti–Corruption

• Supplier shall comply with all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, codes, etc. relating to anti-bribery and anti-corruption.
• Supplier shall refrain from engaging in any form of bribery or corruption (incl. facilitation payments) when dealing with private parties or public officials. In particular, Supplier shall not offer, provide, authorise, request or receive any financial or other advantage (i.e. gifts or hospitality) with the intent or prospect of influencing or determining the recipient’s decision-making or other conduct and/or as an inducement or reward for the improper performance of a person’s relevant function.
• If Supplier acts on behalf of Asian Trails and becomes aware of any suspicious, risky or corrupt conduct, he/she must immediately report it to and follow any instructions by Asian Trails.

2. Human Rights & Labour conditions

2.1 Basic rights

• Supplier shall not discriminate its employees based on gender, age, religion, race, tribe, caste, social background, disability, and nationality, membership in workers’ organisations, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristics.
• Supplier shall ensure that all its employees are free to enter their employment with the Supplier through their own choice and shall also be free to terminate their employment when they choose without penalty, as long as the process is in accordance with the (oral or written) employment contract.
• Supplier shall not make use of any form of forced labour.
• Supplier recognizes the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
• Supplier does not engage in any workplace practice and conditions which violate basic rights; Physical abuse or punishment or threat of physical abuse or punishment, any kind of sexual or other harassment and other forms of intimidation are prohibited.
• Supplier provides a complaints procedure through which employees can make representation to senior management about key employment issues, raise grievances (including those about harassment) and seek redress.

2.2 Child labour

• Supplier shall not employ children younger than 15 years of age unless local minimum age law stipulates a higher age for work or mandatory schooling, in which case the higher age applies. If however, local minimum age law is set at 14 years of age in accordance with developing country exceptions under ILO Convention No. 138, the lower age applies.
• If Supplier employs young people between the age of 14 and 18, the Supplier shall treat them with particular consideration, for example by restricting their working hours.

2.3 Safe workplace

• Supplier shall provide a safe and hygienic working environment. Supplier shall take adequate steps to prevent diseases, accidents and injuries arising during work;
• If housing is provided by Supplier, this has to be in line with local and national laws and standards.
• Supplier shall ensure that fire alarms, fire extinguishers, unobstructed emergency exits are provided in all areas, including staff facilities. Evacuation drills must be part of the employees’ training and repeated regularly.

2.4 Wages and working hours

• Wages paid by the Supplier must meet or exceed legal minimums and/or industry standards. No illegal or unauthorised deductions from wages are allowed.
• Working hours of employees must be in line with the legal requirements and / or industry standards.
• Supplier shall grant employees their stipulated annual leave and sick leave without any form of repercussions.
• Supplier shall grant female employees their stipulated maternity leave and other rights in case of pregnancy.

3. Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents

3.1 Policy

• Supplier shall not allow or tolerate any child prostitution at its premises and facilities.
• Supplier shall report any suspicious behaviour from guests, employees, and staff from suppliers of the Supplier or any other person on the Suppliers premises or during excursions to the competent local authorities.

3.2 Definition

For the purpose of this section 3 ’child’ is defined as a person younger than 18 years according to the UN Convention on the Rights of Child.

4. Local Sourcing and benefiting communities

• Supplier shall actively purchase locally produced goods in preference to imported ones wherever reasonably possible.
• Supplier shall promote local products and services to guests, by recommending guides, restaurants, markets and craft centres wherever this is safe and reasonably possible.
• Supplier shall not sell or promote any souvenirs that are deemed to be historical and archaeological artefacts if not permissible by law.

5. Sustainability Clauses

5.1 Environment

• Suppliers shall minimize their negative impact on the environment.
• Supplier shall actively reduce the amount of energy and water used and shall minimize the use of chemicals known to cause damage or pose risks to health and/or the environment.
• Supplier shall comply with mandatory national and international law, particularly in regard to the procedures and standards for waste management, handling and disposal of chemicals and other dangerous materials, emissions and effluent treatment.
• Supplier shall monitor and control wastewater and solid waste generated and shall treat it as required prior to discharge or disposal.
• Supplier shall reduce waste of all types to the greatest extent reasonably possible.
• Supplier shall comply with the animal welfare standards outlined in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and in ABTA’s Animal Welfare Minimum Requirements.

5.2 Animal Welfare

• Supplier should guarantee that any animals owned or otherwise acquired by the attraction are so by legal means in accordance with CITES. Captive animals must only be kept by those authorized to do so humanely with suitable housing and food according to the five freedoms of animal rights.
• Supplier shall ensure that any wildlife interactions comply with the five freedoms of animal rights. It is prohibited for any interactions to have an adverse effect on the viability and behaviour of populations in the wild. Any disturbance of the natural eco systems shall be minimized, rehabilitated and compensated through a contribution to conservation management.

5.3 Definition

• CITES – Convention on international trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
• The five freedoms of animals as currently expressed are
  • Freedom from hunger or thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour
  • Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area
  • Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
  • Freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind
  • Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering

6. Monitoring & Enforcement

6.1 Principle of Trust

As a principle, Asian Trails trusts its Suppliers to respect the terms and conditions of this Supplier Code of Conduct and to do their utmost to achieve Asian Trails’ standards.

6.2 Sphere of Influence

• Supplier shall ensure that the principles set forth herein are communicated, implemented and adopted within its own business environment. Supplier shall involve its employees, management and other stakeholders such as the communities as required and appropriate.
• Supplier is encouraged to take steps to promote adherence to this Supplier Code of Conduct throughout its own supply chain. However, Suppliers’ sub-contractors are not bound by the terms of this Supplier Code of Conduct.

6.3 Monitoring

• When being prompted, Supplier shall report by way of a self-assessment about its compliance and progress in all matters mentioned herein. Supplier shall complete the self-assessment forms provided by Asian Trails fully, promptly and accurately.
• Supplier agrees that its premises and facilities may be inspected and its compliance may be audited at any time by Asian Trails and/or its representatives (including third parties appointed by Asian Trails). Supplier shall support such audit as far as reasonably possible.

6.4 Non-compliance

If Supplier is in breach of the terms and conditions of this Supplier Code of Conduct (e.g. evidence of child labour, or an employee of Supplier acting as an intermediary for child prostitution, or disregard of ecological legislation) Asian Trails is entitled to terminate any contract and cooperation with the Supplier with immediate effect and reserves its right to take any further legal action at its discretion.

7. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Compliance

With General Data Protection Regulation Act (GDPR) coming into force on 25 May 2018 we as a tour operator and destination management company are obliged to protect the data of the customer and ensure that any information pertaining to customer is not utilized for purpose other than organization of the tour.

In this regard, you agree to the following point and ensure the privacy of the customer is protected.

• Customer data is used solely for the purpose of processing the booking;
• Once the tour is completed all the personal details of customer is destroyed from the records;
• Ensure lawful practice while using the customer data and deletion of records once the purpose is served;
• Comply with applicable Information Technology Act;
• Agree to completely understand the terms and conditions of General Data Protection Regulation Act and shall follow all the practices;
• Shall ensure that all the data received from and through Asian Trails, whether electronically or otherwise, shall be maintained with strict privacy controls and shall ensure to employ as many critical controls as possible;
• Shall not further sub-contract or assign the role and responsibilities to any party without prior written approval of Asian Trails;
• In the event of breach or violation of any of the terms above stated or as required by General Data Protection Regulation, you shall defend and indemnify and hold harmless Asian Trails and its directors, officers, employees, agents, stockholders, affiliates and customers from and against all allegations, claims, actions, suits, demands, damages, liabilities, obligations, losses, settlements, judgments, costs and expenses (including without limitation attorneys’ fees and costs) which arise out of, relate to or result from any of your acts and/ or omissions.

8. Asian Trails health and safety measures post-Covid-19

Asian Trails has implemented health and safety standards in line with Thailand’s Safety and Health Administration (SHA), the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and guidelines posted by the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel Protocols for tour operators.

We also subscribe to in-country health & safety activities such as Thailand’s Hygiene Plus Hospitality Initiative and Asian Trails Thailand has been awarded as well the Safety and Health Administration (SHA) Certificate by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The health and safety standards specified in the addendum to this code of conduct, as well as on our website www.asiantrails.travel/health-and-safety, are the minimum standards that we ask all of our suppliers to adhere to in all of our destinations. By signing this code of conduct you agree to maintain and enforce the health and safety measures as set out in the attached addendum.

We also highly encourage all our suppliers to enrol and apply for certification by Thailand’s Safety and Health Administration (SHA), and prefer working with SHA-certified suppliers.

All Asian Trails offices have appointed a health and safety officer who can be contacted for further information. All health and safety standards are subject to change as directed by local governments and these will be updated in our website www.asiantrails.travel/health-and-safety accordingly.