Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited's Phra Khanong Community Relations: A Model for Social Empowerment

BANGKOK, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited's Phra Khanong Community Relations initiative has been recognized as a standout success, earning the prestigious Social Empowerment award at the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2025 awards program, organized by leading NGO, Enterprise Asia. This award highlights the project's profound impact on local communities, reflecting its commitment to fostering sustainable development and shared value.

The project, which originated in 1984 as a response to Thailand's energy crisis, moved beyond a typical refinery operation to become a long-term solution for energy resilience and societal progress. Guided by His Majesty King Bhumibol's Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, the initiative operates under the company's 4G Sustainability and 4S Business Strategies. A key element, the Green Society pillar, actively engages communities at urban, group-wide, and country-wide levels. The project's strategy prioritizes inclusive engagement with stakeholders like residents, schools, and households, focusing on eight key dimensions, including economic development, education, quality of life, and environmental conservation. Importantly, the project avoids direct cash handouts, instead strengthening grassroots economies and empowering communities towards self-reliance.

The project's success is evident in its remarkable achievements and impact. All initiatives are meticulously developed and implemented by the Community Relations Division, with significant amplification from nearly 12,000 employee volunteer hours in 2024. This reflects a company culture that emphasizes virtue, knowledge, and contribution. The project boasts an impressive 89% community engagement rate and consistently achieves over 94% satisfaction ratings, maintaining a record of zero community complaints year after year. In 2024 alone, the program reached 12 communities, 19 schools, 5,098 households, and 29 condominiums, impacting over 41,000 individuals and generating more than millions in community value.

Operating as Thailand's only urban refinery for over 40 years, the Bangchak Phra Khanong Refinery has seamlessly integrated with its densely populated surroundings. This unique operating environment has shaped the company's commitment to Sustainable Innovative Business Development in Harmony with the Environment and Society. As a Future Energy Leader operating in eleven countries, the Bangchak Group remains dedicated to addressing the Energy Trilemma, pursuing responsible growth, and continuing to be a trusted partner in advancing sustainability alongside communities, employees, and stakeholders.

About Enterprise Asia

Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine toward sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplifting the economic status of people across Asia and ensuring a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit https://www.enterpriseasia.org/ for more information.

About Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA)

The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards program recognizes and honors Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship in the categories of Green Leadership, Investment in People, Health Promotion, Social Empowerment, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and Responsible Business Leadership. For more information, visit https://enterpriseasia.org/area/.

SOURCE Enterprise Asia