Bangchak Executive Granted an Audience for a Progress Report on Collaborative Development Efforts
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously proceeded to the Chang Hua Man Royal Project in Phetchaburi Province to perform royal duties. On this occasion, Her Royal Highness granted an audience, during which Miss Kobkul Kanchanalai, Deputy Director of the Royal Chitralada Projects, presented Mr. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group Chief Executive Officer and President of Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, along with the company's executive team, to deliver a progress report on Bangchak Group's collaborative efforts in the development of the Royal Project area. The audience was graciously attended by officials and staff of the Royal Chitralada Projects, as well as Bangchak Group executives and employees.
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 such initiatives into tangible commercial applications. The report reflected the Group's dedication to realizing the royal vision of self-reliance and renewable energy of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. 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 further enhanced in 2004. While 2005 saw the construction of a commercial biodiesel production unit within 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 Group continues to advance innovation in bio-based energy. The Bangchak Sriracha Refinery has developed Marine Biofuel (B24), a biodiesel product 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 is currently in trial production and also has the capability to produce Renewable Diesel or Green Diesel, covering travel and transportation by land, water and air.
At the Chang Hua Man Royal Project, Bangchak has supported the transformation of the area into a living learning center since 2011, in accordance with the Royal Initiative to promote self-reliance. The Group initially constructed a B100 biodiesel extraction unit using jatropha oil as a prototype for a community-scale biofuel model. This was followed by the development of a renewable energy exhibition, showcasing the visionary energy leadership of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, honored as the "Father of Thai Energy Development." Additionally, Bangchak Group also facilitated the relocation of the Chitralada model rice mill from the Royal Chitralada Project, originally inaugurated by His Majesty in 1971, along with a 500-ton rice storage barn and the "Pin Kaew" rice milling machine, which was designed to serve as a prototype for small-scale farmershighlighting the significance of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.
n 2025, Bangchak relocated the biodiesel production unit from the Royal Chitralada Project to the Chang Hua Man site as a demonstration and educational model. The unit uses used cooking oil to produce UCOME (Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester) biodiesel, which is used in the project's diesel engines. This initiative exemplifies the principles of the circular economy by converting waste into valuable resources and minimizing environmental impact.
Furthermore, BCPG Public Company Limited has installed solar rooftop and floating solar systems in the project area, generating over 300 kilowatt-hours of electricity per day, thereby reducing the project's energy costs and promoting renewable energy use.
On this occasion, Her Royal Highness graciously visited various areas of the project, including those that have been developed and enhanced by Bangchak Group with royal interest.
Following the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023, Bangchak Group undertook improvements to key areas of the project to enhance its role as a center for education and eco-tourism. These include the renovation of the visitor reception building, the construction of a scenic terrace and photo point at the wind turbine viewpoint, the installation of an electric vehicle (EV) charging stationdeveloped in collaboration with the Provincial Electricity Authority, the creation of exhibitions and video presentations on milk production at the dairy facility, and the deployment of a Mobile Inthanin Cafe offering beverages and supporting local employment opportunities.
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 developing the land as an experimental agricultural project, with the objective of establishing a center for the cultivation of diverse economic crops and a model of Sufficiency Economy-based agriculture for farmers. The project has since received ongoing support from both public and private sectors contributing expertise and knowledge and has been developed into a welcoming destination for tourists and visitors.
From the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and Renewable Energy Royal Initiatives of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great to the royal aspiration of "Continuity, Preservation, and Advancement" of His Majesty King Rama X, Bangchak Group remains deeply grateful for the royal benevolence and honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Chang Hua Man Royal Project as a living model of sustainable self-reliance and a center of life-ling learning.