GULF and AIS have united to bring energy and digital access to remote communities through the 'Gulf x AIS Solar Synergy: A Spark of Green Energy Network' project. This initiative aims to reduce inequality, create educational opportunities, and enhance healthcare services. It also focuses on fostering community economic growth and improving the quality of life for Thai people in remote areas. The project involves installing solar panels to harness clean energy from the sun. Additionally, it includes setting up communication systems with mobile phone base stations to extend connectivity and coverage in these isolated areas. The inaugural implementation will be carried out in Ban Dokmai Sod, a village in Mae Usu, Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province, with future expansions planned for other regions.

Mr. Tanon Tantisunthorn, Chief Infrastructure and Logistics Business Officer of Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, along with Ms. Saichon Submakudom, Head of Public Relations and Business Relations Business Unit at AIS, jointly stated, "The ultimate goal of GULF and AIS is to leverage the combined business capabilities of both companies to uplift the quality of life for the Thai people by promoting equality and inclusivity. This serves as a demonstration of our commitment in supporting the government's mission to improve public living standards. This collaboration is driven by the synergy of knowledge and expertise from GULF, a leader in modern renewable energy development, and AIS, renowned for its prowess in telecommunications system and digital technology. Together, we aim to bridge the gaps in essential energy needs and the underdevelopment of communication infrastructure, such as providing electricity and mobile phone coverage, especially for Thai communities in areas where difficulties in accessing basic public utilities still persist."

GULF will deliver solar power systems tailored to the specific needs and challenges of various communities. This project will also include addressing healthcare issues and offering public health solutions, such as disease prevention and treatment, as well as providing electricity for educational purposes, alongside lighting, water filtration, and water pumping system for agricultural and household uses. The initiative also involves imparting basic knowledge about clean energy, solar panels maintenance, and environmental conservation.

AIS, on the other hand, will implement a telecommunication system powered by solar energy to enable efficient use of communication services in these communities. This effort will facilitate learning through various online resources, and enabling access to health consultation systems, such as 'Telemedicine'. Furthermore, the online connectivity and community engagement stimulated by this project provide a platform for promoting tourism and boosting demand for local products. This, in turn, assists in generating job opportunities and economic activities for the local residents. The first pilot project has been launched in Ban Dokmai Sod of Mae Usu at Tha Song Yang District in Tak Province. This mountainous village, previously lacking in electricity, is home to approximately 700 people across 160 households with most residents earning their living primarily through farming and corn cultivation.

Though Ban Dokmai Sod is only 40 Kilometers (approx. 25 Miles) away from the Tha Song Yang district center, reaching it is difficult due to the rugged dirt roads and winding mountain paths, making the commute totaling over three hours. Particularly in the rainy season, these routes and inroads become almost entirely impassable, cutting off the area from the outside world. As a result, local residents face limitations in accessing public utilities and vital communication channels, including immediate medical care in case of emergencies. Therefore, this partnership deemed this community a deserving candidate and has selected such location as its pilot area, with plans to progressively extend the initiative to other regions throughout the country.

"Recognizing that electricity and communication systems are essential life sources, both organizations are unanimous in our vision that it is imperative for people in every area to have equal and widespread access to these public utilities. We are united in our goals with this conviction serving as the inspiration for our employees, who work hard to contribute towards this common mission within their respective roles and responsibilities in every way that they can. The project also aligns with sustainable development policies, as marked by the deployment in renewable energy and the advancement of digital service infrastructures to bring forth communal benefits across economic, social, and environmental domains.” Mr. Tanon and Ms. Saichon reiterated.

About GULF
Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (GULF) is a holding company based in Thailand specializing in energy and large-scale infrastructures development. Known for its prominence in providing electricity for the country, GULF has successfully developed and managed a diverse portfolio of power generation projects from both conventional and renewable energy sources. These include notable investments in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Oman, Germany, the UK, and the USA. As the company diversify its ventures into data centers and digital businesses, GULF continues to leverage its extensive expertise and operational acumen to ensure resource reliability and safe energy transition for the nation, underscoring its commitment towards sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

About AIS
Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), a leading telecommunications company and digital infrastructure service provider, propels Thailand’s progress with its four business groups. These include mobile phone services on the country’s most extensive 5G intelligent network with a frequency bandwidth of up to 1460 MHz serving more than 44.4 million users; high-speed home internet services under the AIS 3BB Fibre 3 program, catering to over 4.7 million users; services for corporate clients; and various other digital solutions. AIS is committed to advancing its vision towards becoming a Cognitive Tech-Co, supporting the strength of the country’s digital economy and enhancing the quality of life for the people of Thailand. Learn more at www.ais.th (information as of September 2023).