TCP Group inspires youth to participate in sustainable water resources management through “TCP Spirit” volunteer program with Ban Tun Model
The TCP Group recently hosted ‘TCP Spirit Nursing the River Basin: Limited Edition in Phayao, taking young volunteers to learn about the Ban Tun model, a successful water resources management project at the Ban Tun community in Phayao province. Here, the community takes an active part in cooperating over the essential source of water that nourishes the life of locals. The Ban Tun model is the successful water resources management project supported by TCP Group’s partners, the Utokapat Foundation Under Royal Patronage of H. M. the King and the Hydro-Informatics Institute (Public Organization) (or HII). This TCP Spirit volunteer activity is part of the ‘TCP Embracing Thailand’s River Basin’ project, an initiative focusing on sustainable water resources management for the environment and communities.
The young volunteers got to learn about the importance of water resources management through first-hand experience by taking part in various activities including classes, nature trails, building local mountain waterworks and irrigation systems as well as planting trees. The activities allowed them to learn about the structure of the forest watershed, common problems in the past and solutions, and plants that are important for the watershed and that can prevent erosion such as bamboos and vetiver grasses.
Mr. Saravoot Yoovhidhya, Chief Executive Officer, TCP Group, said: “Apart from the COVID-19 crisis, another critical problem for Thailand this year is the most severe and longest drought in the last 40 years. The drought has led to damage to agricultural produce and a lack of water for consumption. As a leading beverage company in Thailand that has water as our main resource for production, the TCP Group is determined to drive business growth and create sustainability for the economy, society and the environment simultaneously. With support from our partners, the Utokapat Foundation and HII, we have brought together the new generations of volunteers to learn about water resources management at Ban Tun, an essential set of knowledge especially for those whose daily lives are far removed from natural water sources. We hope ‘TCP Spirit Nursing River Basin’ volunteer project will raise the much-needed awareness and inspire youths to make positive and lasting impact on our water resources.
Ban Tun sub-district in Phayao province is a vital area of water resource. The water source there begins at the Doi Luang mountain, then flows through agricultural areas to meet the Phayao Lake, a large freshwater basin in the North of Thailand – the lifeline of the people of Phayao. The lake is used for tap water production and is also an essential habitat for fish of various species. The Phayao Lake joins the Ing River before meeting the Mekong River in Chiang Rai province. Previously, the Tun brook had insufficient water for agriculture and also faced flash floods. Through collaboration of the local people in coming up with a systematic 25-year water management plan, the Tun brook has successfully returned to its fertility and provided enough water for year-round consumption. Successful water management has led to sufficient water for both agriculture and general daily consumption, enabling local people to make a living throughout the year. Presently, the livelihood of eleven villages or 1,683 households (5,462 people) is improved because of the present conditions of the brook. This successful model of water management has also been expanded to other communities.
Another highlight activity for volunteers is to learn local techniques in water resources management, which include ‘Taepakchalarm’, a non-powered water diversion structure to supply water upstream, reducing water scarcity issues for communities in the upland areas. The triangular-shaped water diversion structure is installed at the intersection of two ditches. It uses water currents to create pressure to force water upstream. In addition, the locals have also created ‘Tangna’, a channel to let water flow into their farms, and ‘Yoinam’, a channel to slowly release water out of their farms.
Dr. Royol Chitradon, Ph.D., Director and Secretariat of the Utokapat Foundation Under Royal Patronage of H. M. the King, and Chairman of the Hydro-Informatics Institute (Public Organization), explained about this partnership: “Following the framework originated from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, both the Utokapat Foundation and HII have a strong commitment to work together with our stakeholders to help Thailand better manage water resources through science and technology. This will help Thailand improve the quality of life and generate income for people in the communities throughout the year. Likewise, this volunteer activity portrays a strong collaboration between the local communities, the Utokapat Foundation, HII and TCP, and reflects our mutual goals in supporting sustainable water resource management under the ‘TCP Embracing Thailand’s River Basin’ project. We are looking forward to seeing the continued development of water resources in Ban Tun sub-district, which will result in the ecosystem flourishing in other areas as well.”
Mr. Alex Rendell, TCP Spirit Brand Ambassador and the UN Environment Programme’s first National Goodwill Ambassador for Thailand, who has been working alongside ‘TCP Spirit’ volunteers for three consecutive years, said: “Sustainable solutions to any problems should be addressed from the root cause. Water issues, either droughts or floods, should also be addressed from the source. Throughout my three consecutive years as a TCP Spirit Brand Ambassador, I have learned directly from experts who have actively helped local communities improve their water resource management, and have gained invaluable hands-on experience from working and solving problems with others. The project has also given me the opportunity to pass on my commitment to sustainability to those younger volunteers, who will become an essential driving force to protect our environment in the future.”
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communication of TCP: Telephone 02-415-0100 Paphada Tuanghirunvimoon (ext 1274)
Hill+Knowlton Strategies Thailand: Telephone 02-627-3501 Suppalak Muenjorn (ext 218), Chonlathorn Lukkhanachewin (ext 118) or Baiboon Wisetchart (ext 158)
Notes to the Editor
TCP Group is comprised of T.C. Pharmaceutical Industries Co., Ltd., which is the primary manufacturer of group products, The Red Bull Beverage Co., Ltd., which handles marketing and sales of group products, T.G. Vending and Showcase Industries Co., Ltd., which owns and operates vending machines for group and other products, and Durbell Co., Ltd., which distributes group products and other brands.
TCP Group products are enjoyed in more than 170 countries worldwide. The Group manufactures and sells products in six categories under eight primary main brands: Energy Drinks under the brands of Krating Daeng, Ready, Som Plus, and Warrior; Electrolyte Beverages under the Sponsor brand; Functional Drinks under the Mansome brand; Ready-to-Drink Tea under the Puriku brand; Snacks under the Sun Snack brand and Beverage Concentrate for Red Bull original flavor.
The group employs more than 5,000 people worldwide.
