This thesis examines how corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities carried out by hotels, are perceived and responded to within local communities. This is significant research because it is the first study to examine the impact of hotels‟ CSR initiatives on local community members, despite increasing CSR investments by firms in the worldwide hospitality sector. As the idea of corporate social responsibility (CSR) becomes more prevalent in industry, firms engage in ethical and responsible activities to benefit identified stakeholders, whether the activity is designed for altruistic or strategic reasons (Porter & Kramer, 2006). In turn, the increase in the level of CSR investment suggests that gauging the effectiveness of CSR initiatives will also be of increasing importance. In parallel with general industry trends, the role of CSR in the hospitality sector has also increased, in part, because of salient environmental and social issues (Sheldon & Park, 2011). Globally, hotels have reported the use of substantial resources for CSR activities because, among other things, such activities can improve the quality of life in local communities (World Business Council For Sustainable Development, 2004). Furthermore, this investment and reporting of CSR activities is also apparent in South-East Asian nations, such as Thailand.