On 28 February 2026, the Enterprise and Societal Sustainability Sector of Khon Kaen University, led by Professor Thidarut Boonmars, Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, and her team, convened a meeting to discuss strategies for enhancing the potential of communities in Ban Phai District.

The meeting brought together key partners, including Mr. Nattapong Deeboon, a representative from Krungthai Bank Public Company Limited, and a local civil society network represented by Mr. Sitthichok Sricho, the founder and content creator of the “Hug Ban Phai” Facebook page. The discussion was held at Ban Lang Wat Coffee, situated at Wat Buranasit Phra Chao Yai Phue Bang in Hua Nong Sub-district, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen.

Professor Thidarut Boonmars, Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability

The primary objective of the discussion was to exchange information and assess the area’s potential in order to formulate a clear framework for supporting community product development. The goal is to enhance value and meet the demands of modern markets while preserving local identity and traditional wisdom. This will be achieved by integrating academic knowledge from the university with marketing perspectives and corporate sustainability and social responsibility (CSR/CSV) initiatives from the financial sector, complemented by the strength of the local community network.

Ban Phai District possesses significant potential in both natural resources and social capital, particularly in the vicinity of Kaeng Lawa, a vital natural reservoir in Khon Kaen Province. This area supports local fisheries, agriculture, and the creation of processed goods that reflect the community’s way of life. It also has the potential to be developed into an eco-tourism destination and a community learning centre.

This meeting marks a crucial step in establishing a systematic foundation for collaboration, aimed at driving the grassroots economy in a directed and locally relevant manner. Khon Kaen University continues to serve as a key mechanism for knowledge support and sustainable development at the local level.

This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It underscores Khon Kaen University’s role as a “University for Society,” dedicated to leveraging its expertise for the long-term improvement of public well-being.