GULF, AIS, and HRDI Continue “Green Energy Green Network for THAIs” Year 2, Expanding Learning Opportunities, Cultivating Careers, and Fostering Sustainable Livelihoods

Gulf Development Public Company Limited (GULF) joins forces with Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), and the Highland Research and Development Institute (Public Organization) (HRDI) continue their joint mission in the second year of the Green Energy Green Network for THAIs project. This initiative aims to provide people in remote areas with access to essential infrastructure and leverage the capabilities and collaboration with AIS and Thaicom, including high-speed internet and satellite signals. The goal is to broaden access to clean energy and digital technology, fostering career development, generating income, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life sustainably.

Ms. Theerathiphisa Tawichpasoot, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, stated, “At GULF, we place great importance on leveraging our business expertise to benefit communities, society, and the environment, while also generating shared value for all stakeholders. Last year, our Green Energy Green Network for THAIs initiative, in collaboration with AIS and HRDI, GULF successfully installed over 30 kilowatts of solar-generated electricity across six communities. This impactful effort provided more than 4,000 people in remote areas with access to essential infrastructure, significantly enhancing educational and healthcare opportunities, and fostering local careers and sustainable livelihoods.”

“This year, GULF remains committed to continuing this mission, partnering with both existing and new collaborators. A key highlight is our project at Ban Doi Wiang in Chiang Mai’s Chai Prakan District, where GULF joined forces with AIS and THAICOM to install solar panels at the Mae Fah Luang Community Learning Center. The clean energy generated supports internet and satellite connectivity, enabling children and youth to access new knowledge and educational resources. The AIS network also enhances digital access and communication for the entire community. Furthermore, Ban Doi Wiang’s unique strength lies in its coffee, which is grown under the shade of large trees – a symbiotic relationship between people and the forest, where coffee cultivation and watershed forest conservation go hand-in-hand. However, most villagers traditionally sold coffee as cherries without any processing, leaving the selling price subject to middlemen. To address this, GULF has supported the construction of a solar-powered coffee processing facility and provided coffee milling equipment allowing locals to add value to their produce and develop a community-owned coffee brand. Significantly, GULF also encourages the formation of farmer groups to collaboratively maintain and care for the milling facility, the coffee machine, and the solar panels to ensure their efficient operation,” Ms. Theerathiphisa added.

“This collaboration extends beyond infrastructure, aiming to improve the overall quality of life and foster inclusive growth across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Another aspect that reflects the project’s success is the local authorities and residents recognizing the importance of coexisting with the forest, leading to the initiation of a concrete memorandum of understanding for sustainable forest conservation,” Ms. Theerathiphisa concluded.

Ms. Saichon Submakudom, Head of Public Relations and Business Relations at AIS, stated, “Expanding access to digital infrastructure across every corner of Thailand has always been a core mission for AIS. We believe that when people are connected — through communication, internet access, and digital inclusion — they gain tremendous opportunities in education, information, and overall quality of life, especially in remote areas. That’s why we are continuing the ‘Green Energy Green Network for THAIs’ initiative into its second year by leveraging the strength of AIS Group affiliates. AIS ACADEMY is helping to unlock limitless learning through digital libraries and IT tools for youth in rural communities. AIS 3BB FIBRE3 is bringing broadband connectivity to key community hubs like schools, learning centers, and public health stations to improve access to essential services. In parallel, GULF is providing clean solar energy, and THAICOM is supporting high-speed satellite internet and space technology solutions in remote areas. Combined with HRDI’s role in identifying and coordinating with local communities, this partnership allows the project to expand effectively and meaningfully. It opens doors to education, commerce, and long-term livelihood opportunities — helping people transform their potential into sustainable realities.”

Beyond infrastructure development, the project has also conducted a concrete assessment of its social impact through research based on the Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework. The findings demonstrate the tangible value delivered to communities, the economy, society, and the environment. These insights will guide targeted and sustainable development efforts tailored to each remote area. This reinforces the commitment of the Green Energy Green Network for THAIs initiative — not only to invest in clean energy, but also to lay the foundation for an “opportunity network” built on the principles of sustainable development for people, communities, and the environment alike.

Mr. Ekachai Phakdurong, Chief Strategy Officer of THAICOM Public Company Limited, stated, “THAICOM is deeply committed to creating equal and inclusive access to communication opportunities, and we continuously strive to improve the quality of life for communities across multiple dimensions. Our support goes beyond providing high-speed satellite internet — we also promote the use of space technology to empower communities in meaningful ways, including digital education, online livelihoods, telemedicine, and environmental conservation. To further strengthen community infrastructure, we are proud to partner with AIS and GULF in delivering reliable internet connectivity alongside sustainable clean energy solutions. Together, these efforts contribute to long-term improvements in living standards and support sustainable development in underserved areas.”

“With the collective strength of all sectors — smart networks, clean energy, and full government support — the Green Energy Green Network for THAIs initiative can continue delivering tangible benefits to society. It also serves as a model for Thai businesses in leveraging digital technology to create opportunities, reduce inequality, and drive sustainable growth for people, the economy, and the environment in the long term,” Ms. Saichon added.