The Department of Industrial Promotion (DIPROM) has partnered with Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited and five leading business organisations to accelerate the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Thailand. This public-private collaboration is driven by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the “Management of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) for the Production of SAF in Line with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Policy.”
The initiative aims to establish a nationwide UCO supply chain as a key feedstock for commercial-scale SAF production. By promoting a circular economy approach, the collaboration supports Thailand’s push toward carbon neutrality, enhances energy security, and boosts the country’s aviation sector to meet international sustainability standards.
Mr Akanat Promphan, Minister of Industry, emphasised that the move aligns with the government's policy direction under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, aimed at positioning Thailand as a key economic player and aviation hub in the region. The SAF initiative also supports the Ministry’s “Fighting, Saving, Creating” policy, which focuses on waste management reform, SME competitiveness, and development of green industries to meet net-zero goals.
“This MoU marks the beginning of comprehensive public-private integration that will benefit the nation across economic, environmental, and social dimensions,” said Mr Akanat.
Dr Nattapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, noted that the ministry has developed a framework for promoting SAF production and assessing UCO’s potential as a domestic feedstock. It is also working to build a collaborative industrial network to strengthen the SAF ecosystem.
The MoU was signed by DIPROM, Bangchak, and five key partners: Central Group, Thai Beverage PCL, Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL, Thai President Foods PCL, and the Thai Food Processors Association. These partners, which generate large volumes of UCO in both industrial and service sectors, will contribute to the supply chain supporting SAF production at scale.
Ms Natthinya Netyasupha, Director-General of DIPROM, explained that her department has collaborated with internal agencies to study SAF demand, production capacity, and feedstock availability. The initiative will promote public awareness, education, and supply chain network-building to transform UCO into value-added SAF. It also aims to set a precedent for UCO collection in households, supporting long-term sustainability in both energy and waste management.
Mr Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group CEO and President of Bangchak Corporation PCL, said the Group is ready to support Thailand’s SAF ambitions with its ability to produce 1 million litres of 100% Neat SAF per day, certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) scheme.
While welcoming government and private sector support, Mr Chaiwat identified two urgent issues for policy makers:
- Expanding feedstock diversity to support SAF production; and
- Establishing a clear national mandate for SAF usage, including blending targets and investment incentives.
“These steps are essential to building confidence, attracting long-term investment, and reinforcing Thailand’s leadership in clean aviation fuel within the region,” he added.
This landmark collaboration reflects a unified effort across sectors to accelerate Thailand’s clean energy transition, unlock economic opportunities, and help tackle the climate crisis.
