AIS, Gulf to set up solar-powered telecom infrastructure in remote areas

“AIS has continuously advanced the development of a strong digital infrastructure. We are now prepared to work with all sectors to promote shared economic growth. We are convinced that digital network technology is an important tool for driving the economy and providing people with opportunities to access new knowledge, thereby improving their lives in a variety of valuable ways in the face of changing circumstances,” he said. 

Gulf chief operating officer Theerathiphisa Tawichpasoot said the inspiration behind this collaboration was to bring clean energy and connectivity to underserved communities. The company first launched a pilot project that installed solar panels in three remote areas: Baan Huai Nam Sai (Phitsanulok province), Thung Nang Dam Island (Phang Nga province), and Baan Dokmai Sod (Tak province), she said. 

Engineers from its subsidiary, Gulf1, assisted in the installation of the systems and trained residents on how to use and maintain them, promoting long-term sustainability, she added. 

However, realising that simply having access to electricity would not improve the quality of life for villagers, Gulf decided to collaborate with AIS to broaden the scope of the project. 

“This collaboration seeks to bridge the digital divide while providing clean energy. It aims to reduce disparities, improve education and career development, and elevate public health services in order to propel a low-carbon future,” she stated.  

HDRI chairman Chavalit Chookajorn pointed out that the Green Energy Green Network for THAIs project is a significant step towards providing highland residents with access to critical services such as solar power and communication. 

Citing the fact that there were over 2,000 remote highland communities with no basic infrastructure, he predicted that this project would open up new opportunities for collaboration in healthcare, education, vocational skill development, and even marketing, resulting in an improved quality of life for these communities. 

“It benefits the community and the economy while promoting sustainable environmental conservation and restoration,” he said, adding that it was part of the HDRI’s mission to help highland communities gain access to basic infrastructure services through collaboration with various government and private organisations.

As one of the two pilot locations, Chanchai Sappraman, village headman of Moko Poke community in Mae Usu subdistrict, Tha Song Yang district, Tak province, expressed gratitude to AIS, Gulf, and HDRI for establishing the infrastructure in his village.  

He said that having electricity and a network allows children to access useful resources to improve their education, while other villagers, particularly the elderly, can access basic public healthcare. Furthermore, the infrastructure enables them to connect with society, break down barriers, and provide alternative income streams. 

AIS CEO Somchai was confident that the project would serve as a valuable model for Thai businesses. It shows how organisations’ capabilities can be used to address social issues, reduce inequality, and improve access to new knowledge and basic infrastructure services. 

“This would lead to sustainable growth for people, communities, the economy, and the environment,” he said.