22 September 2025 – Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the leader in health enrichment products under the BRAND’S trademark in Thailand and Indochina, continues to drive environmental sustainability activities by expanding the 'Poa Rak Nam' Community Forest Restoration Project into its second year. In collaboration with Chonburi Province and the local community, the company organized an on-site forest restoration activity at the Ban Noen Tong Community Forest in Si Racha District. Employees, company volunteers, students, and members of the Ban Noen Tong community joined in a comprehensive forest restoration process, including planting new saplings, restoring existing trees, applying straw mulch, and watering both new and existing trees. In addition, water storage tanks were donated to Ban Noen Tong School. The project aims to strengthen the community’s capacity for forest care and water resource management, instill environmental awareness among local youth, and demonstrate a model of public-private-community collaboration in sustainable forest restoration.
Mrs. Mathuvalee Stithyudhakarn, Vice President – Corporate Affairs, Thailand and Indochina, Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated: The 'Poa Rak Nam' Community Forest Restoration Project was initiated by the company in 2024 to reinforce Suntory’s core values of 'Growing for Good' and 'Giving Back to Society,' which the company has consistently upheld. With a commitment to creating a positive impact on society, community members, our employees, and the environment, we strive to drive sustainability across all operational sites, reflecting our responsibility toward the communities we serve. In the second year of the 'Poa Rak Nam' project, we continue to prioritize collaboration between the company, government agencies, and local communities in forest restoration, as well as raising awareness of the importance of forest resources and the relationship between water sources and flourishing forests among community members. This year, the company organized an on-site activity at the Ban Noen Tong Community Forest in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province, which is located near our company's plant in Pinthong Industrial Estate, With the participation of over 40 company volunteers, who joined students and community members of Ban Noen Tong in on-site forest restoration activities, with the support of government agencies such as Chonburi Province and the Forest Resource Management Office No. 9 (Chonburi). Well-maintained forests serve as sources of food and raw materials, ecotourism destinations, and breeding grounds for coastal aquatic life, which generate income and develop the local economy in the long term, enabling communities to achieve sustainable self-reliance
This activity demonstrated that forest restoration is not merely about planting trees, but involves a comprehensive forest restoration process, including planting, restoring, straw mulching, and watering. The project is part of the company’s mission to drive tangible sustainability in water and environmental resource management. In addition to the 'One Suntory Mizuiku Program,' which inspires youth to conserve water, the 'Poa Rak Nam' project also aims to strengthen collaboration between the company, government agencies, and local communities in forest restoration, water resource protection, and maintaining the balance of nature sustainably. During the activity, the company also donated two water storage tanks to Ban Noen Tong School. All activities aim to enhance the community’s water management capabilities while fostering environmental awareness and knowledge among local youth, serving as a crucial foundation for nurturing future leaders in environmental conservation.”
Mr. Alexander Simon Rendell, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Environmental Education Centre (EEC), stated: “EEC has always operated under the philosophy of ‘Let Nature be Our Classroom,’ and this time, we had the opportunity to participate in the second year of the 'Poa Rak Nam' Community Forest Restoration Project,contributing its expertise in designing activities that encourage participants to learn through hands-on learning in the natural classroom of Ban Noen Tong Community Forest. From Ice Breaking activities that fostered close connections between company volunteers and community members under the concept of ‘Water Connects Us,’ to every step of the forest restoration process, this initiative not only helps restore the forest but also aims to enhance the environmental knowledge and understanding of local youth, instilling a sense of responsibility for nature conservation and nurturing them to grow up with enduring love and care for the environment in a sustainable way”
Mr. Sarawut Supho, Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, Chonburi, stated: “Today’s activity serves as an example of the power of collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and local communities in pursuing sustainable natural resource restoration. Forest planting not only increases community forest areas but also helps preserve ecosystems, serving as a source of water, food, and livelihoods for community members. These are fundamental to the well-being of the people and the economic development of the province, including agriculture, industry, and tourism. Moreover, it provides opportunities for youth to learn and cultivate environmental awareness, forming a critical foundation for nurturing ‘future leaders’ in forest and water conservation. We sincerely thank all parties involved who contributed to making this activity possible, and we hope that participants will gain knowledge and experience that can be applied to expand and replicate environmental conservation efforts in other areas, ensuring that Chonburi remains a livable province and grows sustainably.”
Miss Kingdaow Jeennoo, Forestry Officer, Chonburi Forestry Center, Forest Resources Management Office No. 9, stated: “Ban Noen Tong Community Forest spans over 24 rai (approximately 9.6 hectares) and serves as the heart of this local community. We sincerely thank Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) for prioritizing collaboration with government agencies and the community in caring for this forest through the ‘Poa Rak Nam’ Community Forest Restoration Project. This initiative imparts knowledge on sustainable forest management to all participants, while also inviting company volunteers, government officials, local community members, and students to actively take part in restoring the forest. The project follows the Four-Step Forest Restoration Process: planting new saplings in the restoration area, restoring existing tress by removing weeds and staking for support, applying straw mulch around tree bases to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and watering both existing and newly planted trees. This initiative not only increases community forest areas but also provides knowledge and proper practices, while promoting environmental awareness and cultivating a strong conservation ethic among the new generation of youth and local community members.”
