Princess Sirindhorn Visits Chang Hua Man Royal Project
Mr. Chaiwat respectfully reported on Bangchak Group's long-standing commitment to advancing renewable energy initiatives in alignment with royal aspirations, and the translation of these initiatives into tangible commercial applications. The report highlighted the Group's dedication to realising the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great's vision of self-reliance and renewable energy. Notably, in 2000, Bangchak, in collaboration with the Naval Dockyard Department, established a pilot biodiesel plant using used cooking oil at the Royal Chitralada Projects. The production process was enhanced in 2004, and in 2005, a commercial biodiesel production unit was constructed at the Bangchak Phra Khanong Refinery. This initiative evolved into the founding of Bangchak Biofuel Co., Ltd. in 2009 to produce B100 biodiesel for land transport. The company is now part of BBGI Public Company Limited.
In 2025, Bangchak continues to pioneer innovation in bio-based energy. At the Bangchak Sriracha Refinery, Marine Biofuel (B24) has been developed for maritime transport, while the Bangchak Phra Khanong Refinery has established a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production unit using used cooking oil. Her Royal Highness graciously presided over the official opening of this SAF unit in April 2025. The facility, now in trial production, is also capable of producing Renewable Diesel or Green Diesel—supporting sustainable transport by land, sea, and air.
Since 2011, Bangchak has supported the transformation of the Chang Hua Man Royal Project into a living learning centre, in accordance with the Royal Initiative to promote self-reliance. The Group initially constructed a B100 biodiesel extraction unit using jatropha oil, serving as a prototype for a community-scale biofuel model. This was followed by the development of a renewable energy exhibition showcasing the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, who is revered as the 'Father of Thai Energy Development.' In addition, Bangchak facilitated the relocation of the Chitralada model rice mill—originally inaugurated by His Majesty in 1971—from the Royal Chitralada Project to the site. This included a 500-ton rice storage barn and the 'Pin Kaew' rice milling machine, designed as a model for small-scale farmers and exemplifying the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.
In 2025, Bangchak also relocated the biodiesel production unit from the Royal Chitralada Project to Chang Hua Man, where it now serves as a demonstration and educational model. The unit uses used cooking oil to produce UCOME (Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester) biodiesel for use in the project's diesel engines, exemplifying the principles of the circular economy by converting waste into valuable resources and reducing environmental impact.
Furthermore, BCPG Public Company Limited has supported the project by installing both solar rooftop and floating solar systems, which collectively generate over 300 kilowatt-hours of electricity per day—significantly lowering energy costs and promoting renewable energy adoption within the project.
During the visit, Her Royal Highness graciously toured various areas of the Chang Hua Man Royal Project, including those developed or enhanced through the support of Bangchak Group, reflecting the project's progress and impact.
Following the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023, Bangchak undertook a range of improvements to key areas of the project to enhance its role as a centre for education and eco-tourism. These efforts included the renovation of the visitor reception building, construction of a scenic terrace and photo point at the wind turbine viewpoint, installation of an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in collaboration with the Provincial Electricity Authority, development of exhibitions and video presentations at the dairy facility, and the launch of a Mobile Inthanin Café to provide refreshments and support local employment.
The Chang Hua Man Royal Project was initiated in 2009, when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great personally purchased approximately 250 rai of land near Nong Suea Reservoir in Khao Krapuk Subdistrict, Tha Yang District, Phetchaburi Province, using His personal funds. His Majesty entrusted the Royal Household Bureau with the development of the land as an experimental agricultural project aimed at cultivating diverse economic crops and promoting agriculture based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. Over the years, the project has received sustained support from both public and private sectors, evolving into a model for sustainable development and a welcoming destination for visitors and learners alike.
From the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and renewable energy initiatives of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great to the royal aspiration of 'Continuity, Preservation, and Advancement' of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Bangchak Group remains deeply grateful for the royal benevolence and honoured to contribute to the Chang Hua Man Royal Project. The Group reaffirms its commitment to supporting the project as a living model of sustainable self-reliance and a centre for lifelong learning.
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