Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of beverages under the Suntory and PepsiCo brands in Thailand, held its 6th Good People & Water activity in late 2024. The event brought together volunteer employees, representatives from local agencies—including the Kaeng Krachan Watershed Management Unit, the Hup Kapong Watershed Management Unit, and the Hup Kapong Forest Fire Control Station—and members of local community to support watershed forest conservation in Phetchaburi Province. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to its core values of “Growing for Good” and “Giving Back to Society,” by continuously turning principles into impactful actions.

Ms. Wipawan Tasanapreechachai, Head of Corporate Affairs, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated, “‘Good People & Water’ activity is a part of our Mizuiku: Education Program for Nature and Water, which aims to educate youth about the importance of water and environmental conservation while equipping them with simple ways to conserve water in their daily lives. Beyond engaging youths, we also emphasize the vital role of people in watershed areas and our employees, in sustaining water resources. Since 2019, we have consistently conducted the ‘Good People & Water’ activity to provide our employees with hands-on experiences in water conservation. This initiative reflects our commitment to cultivating skilled individuals and socially responsible citizens who will grow with the organization and drive positive change for society and the environment. We are deeply grateful for the support and participation of local agencies’ officers and community members, whose contributions have made this activity successful. Suntory PepsiCo Thailand remains dedicated to preserving water resources for future generations.”

One of the key locations for “the 6th Good People & Water” activity was Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand’s largest national park, and the watershed forest for the Phetchaburi and Pran Buri rivers. This vital water source sustains the lives of local communities, supports ecosystems in Phetchaburi and neighboring provinces, and serves as one of the country’s important sites for ecological studies. To support conservation efforts, the company partnered with the Kaeng Krachan Watershed Management Unit, the Hup Kapong Watershed Management Unit, and the Hup Kapong Forest Fire Control Station to implement three key activities:

1. Planting 8,000 vetiver grass and 1,000 rattans at the Kaeng Krachan Dam: Vetiver grass is known for its dense clumps and deep root system reaching up to 3 meters, which effectively prevents soil erosion, preserves the topsoil and supports the ecosystem of the water source. Rattan’s ability helps to mitigate soil erosion as well.
2. Building wooden check dams to slow water flow: Drawing from local wisdom, this structure is made from logs and sandbags to slow water flow, store water, minimize soil erosion, trap sediment in the water stream, prevent downstream water sources from becoming shallow, help retaining soil moisture and enhance forest fertility. This initiative also supports biodiversity by creating a more sustainable environment for wildlife and aquatic species, ensuring they have essential water resources for survival and growth.
3. Restoring the water pipe system of the Wet Forest Project at Wat Rai Mamuang Praratchadumrat (Wat Pa Don Khun Huai), to ensure full functionality: The wet forest concept maximizes water resources by creating a wet fire break. Water is pumped to a mountain reservoir and gradually releasing it to maintain consistent forest moisture levels. This process creates a “wet forest” that effectively prevents forest fires.

Mr.Thinnakorn Sinsap, one of the employee representatives of Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., shared, “I am proud and delighted to join this year’s ‘Good People & Water’ activity. It gave me a chance to make a positive impact on society and the environment. Moreover, I gained knowledge about water conservation from the watershed management officers and learned about the wet forest concept from the abbot at Wat Rai Mamuang Praratchadumrat (Wat Pa Don Khun Huai). This experience enhanced my understanding and appreciation of the importance of water and forest conservation.”

Suntory PepsiCo Thailand has launched the “Good People & Water” initiative since 2019, focusing on restoring and conserving watershed forests including vital water sources across various provinces in Thailand. The company remains committed to this initiative, aiming to enhance ecosystems to contribute to a sustainable future for Thai society.