EGAT helps restore the country and supports sustainable tourism, economy, society, community, and environment
27 June 2022EGAT has helped ‘Restore the Country with Tourism’ by promoting sustainable tourism and low carbon tourism to achieve carbon neutrality. Moreover, EAT is preparing to drive Srinagarind Dam and Vajiralongkorn Dam to be a part of ‘Quick Win,’ a low carbon tourism demonstration area of Kanchanaburi Province.
Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit, Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) revealed how EGAT will develop the potential of its attractions to become well-known tourist attractions. EGAT is responsible for electricity acquisition, generation, and transmission, as well as taking care of the surrounding community and environment for a sustainable growth. EGAT’s dams and power plants are surrounded by beautiful nature and scenery; therefore, promoting tourism will support and stimulate Thailand’s economy. The goal is to promote sustainable tourism in two aspects: 1) Improving the community economy with tourism and 2) Striving towards a city of low carbon tourism under the concept of creating value for resources, such as society, community, and local culture, as well as to improve the community economy, reduce carbon, take care of the environment, and cooperate with affiliate networks, namely communities, local government agencies, business sectors, provincial private companies, and national networks.
To promote sustainable tourism, EGAT aims for low carbon tourism under the project ‘EGAT Green TIME Tourism,’ which means that it is time for all sectors to promote low carbon tourism to achieve Thailand’s carbon neutrality. EGAT is preparing its locations, creating shared value with environmental allies, searching for business opportunities in tourism, and creating jobs for the locals. EGAT also recommended Kanchanaburi Province to be a part of Quick Win, a low carbon tourism demonstration area. Presently, Srinagarind Dam has renovated its accommodations, restaurant, cafe, and attractions to promote carbon reduction. PM2.5 sensors and Elex by EGAT charging station were installed, and EV bike and EV boat are being piloted in the dam area. Moreover, a model energy-saving smart home is being built for tourists, and a Wellness Club Project is being prepared to accommodate elderly tourists and health enthusiasts, which is in line with the modern tourism trend of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Meanwhile, Vajiralongkorn Dam is being developed into a low carbon tourism demonstration area as well.
Currently, 12 EGAT dams and power plants nationwide have been certified SHA Plus (Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration Plus), which guarantees the safety and hygiene standards against COVID-19 for tourists. The locations have beautiful attractions and scenery, along with accommodations, restaurants, and meeting rooms. Some locations are being developed according to the standards of the Department of Tourism under the name ‘Khun Sai Chon Villa,’ which includes Khun Sai Chon Cafes in dams nationwide and seven learning centers in all regions of Thailand (with one more being constructed in Mae Hong Son Province) to showcase and share knowledge about electricity. Everyone can visit the learning centers free of charge. Moreover, a study of low carbon travel routes is being conducted with allies, such as Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization), Tourism Authority of Thailand, Kanchanaburi Provincial Office, tourism entrepreneurs, and the community to connect low carbon tourism with communities.