Thailand’s ongoing push towards sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) took the spotlight at the recent “Flying Green: Thailand’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Forum”, co-hosted by the Board of Airline Representatives Business Association (BAR) and Thai Airways International Public Company Limited. The forum brought together key figures from the aviation and energy sectors to discuss progress in SAF development, with a focus on innovation, production, and policy support.
A key presentation came from Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, represented by Mr Bundit Hansapaiboon, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Vice President of the Refinery and Oil Trading Business Group. Speaking during a session titled “Insights on SAF Production, Capabilities and Innovation,” Mr Bundit shared the company’s experiences and strategies from a producer’s standpoint.
The event, held at the Thai Airways Head Office in Bangkok, was opened by Mr Korakot Chatasingha, President of BAR, and Mr Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways International.
Pioneering SAF Production in Thailand
Mr Bundit underscored the operational readiness of Bangchak Group’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Unit, situated at its Phra Khanong refinery. Operated by BSGF Co., Ltd., a Bangchak affiliate, the facility is Thailand’s first dedicated stand-alone plant producing 100% Neat SAF derived from used cooking oil (UCO). With a starting capacity of 1 million litres per day, the plant is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually. All operations throughout the supply chain are ISCC-certified, ensuring compliance with global sustainability standards.
Bangchak has also pioneered SAF delivery through pipeline infrastructure, supplying Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports directly from the refinery. This is complemented by marine and road transport networks, providing a seamless and robust logistics system to support Thailand’s aviation decarbonisation goals.
These developments support the global aviation industry’s 2050 net-zero emissions target, positioning Thailand as an emerging contributor to sustainable air travel.
“Fry to Fly”: Mobilising Communities for Cleaner Skies
To ensure a reliable and sustainable feedstock supply, Bangchak is advancing its “Fry to Fly” initiative, aimed at sourcing used cooking oil from households, restaurants, and commercial kitchens nationwide. The programme also involves collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders. Future plans include expanding collection points to Bangchak’s service stations across the country, making it easier for the public to participate in the SAF value chain.
Building a National SAF Ecosystem
The Flying Green forum served as a platform for open dialogue and technical exchange among a broad range of stakeholders, including government bodies, SAF producers, and domestic and international airlines. The event highlighted the importance of multi-sector collaboration in driving forward Thailand’s SAF ambitions and laid the groundwork for a more sustainable and competitive aviation sector in the years to come.
