MaeYao Local Ecotours was set up in 2024 by Thellie - who spent 17 years working with The Mirror Foundation's Ecotours project. When he left in mid-2024, partly to set up a homestay, but also to spend more time working on projects and hobbies, the foundation closed the trekking programme.
As a result of the programme closure, and the impact this would have on the livelihoods of guides and local communities' incomes, Thellie decided to begin promoting these programmes himself. In fact, he is updating and expanding the programmes, to include craft workshops and cookery classes.
MaeYao Local Ecotours also runs Circle A homestay, and other projects which are still in the planning stage.
All of these programmes are run in order to continue the empowerment of local hilltribe communities, to maintain their cultural heritages, and hopefully to engage younger community members in gaining knowledge and skills in these areas.
Thellie runs the programme with his wife - Ao, and children - Lookwah and Jay Jay.
