EGAT – Big Brothers to support stingless beekeeping and product development for sustainability
20 July 2022EGAT and networks declared their intention to promote stingless beekeeping in the event “Big Brothers, Social Enterprise for Society – Stingless Bee Honey.” They get ready to develop apiculture and value added to bee products of the community in EGAT Mae Moh, Lampang Province, aiming to create happiness and income for the community and expand the scheme to other EGAT areas nationwide.
Mr. Suttipong Chalermkiat, Assistant Governor – Sustainability Management of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), declared the intention to promote stingless beekeeping together with public sectors, private companies, and communities in the Big Brothers networks. On this occasion, Dr. Nattapon Rangsitpon, Director General, Department of Industrial Promotion (DIP); Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director, National Research Council of Thailand; and Mr. Preeda Vatcharatiensakul, Managing Director, Thai Polyethylene Co., Ltd. under SCG Chemicals (SCGS), presided over the opening ceremony. EGAT joins the seminar on the topic “Big Brothers’ Idea for Promoting Stingless Beekeeping,” held at the Sukosol Bangkok, on July 11, 2022.
Mr. Suttipong Chalermkiat said in the seminar that apart from its missions in generating electricity and ensuring power system security, EGAT focuses on the responsibility for society, community, and environment. EGAT Mae Moh is underway to develop Mae Moh Smart City, a model of livable city, by continuously applying innovations and supporting social enterprise activities. In the Future, the decommission of Mae Moh Mine and Power Plant might affect the community in terms of economy, business, and tourism. The power development fund will be ceased, as well. Consequently, EGAT intends to raise the quality of life and create sustainability for the community. The promotion of stingless beekeeping and Lampang honey branding is another attempt to create happiness for the community and support the sustainable occupation, which is one of the ecosystem creations in Mae Moh Smart City development. If the project can create jobs and generate income, EGAT will expand it to other areas of EGAT nationwide.
“Big Brothers” is a social enterprise networks consisting of public and private sectors, working for communities for seven years. The promotion of stingless beekeeping is under the collaboration of 2 networks, which are research supporting group and mentor group of apiculture and product development. The project takes place in three areas in 1) Rayong Province supported by SCGC, Dow Thailand, and Eastern Fluid Transport Co., Ltd.; 2) Samut Prakan Province supported by Bangchak Corporation Public Co. Ltd.; and Lampang Province supported by EGAT. The purposes of the collaboration are to promote the honey bands and increase production capacity to reach over 5 liters per day.