Banpu Public Company Limited celebrated its momentous 40th anniversary in the energy business, proudly holding its position as an "international versatile energy provider."
Over the years, Banpu has championed energy sustainability in various countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, China, Australia, Laos, Mongolia, Japan, the United States, and Vietnam. Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to continuous growth, Banpu strives to align its business with future energy trends while prioritising social and environmental development, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life for all.
Since its inception as Ban Pu Coal Company Limited in Banpu Village, Li district, Lamphun province in 1983, Banpu has expanded its operations to encompass three core business groups: Energy Resources, Energy Generation, and Energy Technology. Throughout its more
than four-decade journey, Banpu has demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges and remains poised for the future under its "Greener & Smarter" strategy. This strategic approach focuses on providing environmentally friendly energy solutions that not only meet business demands but also contribute to a sustainable future and fulfil Banpu's brand promise of "Our Way in Energy."
Mr. Chanin Vongkusolkit, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Banpu Public Company Limited, one of the co-founders and the first CEO of the company, who has played a pivotal role in shaping Banpu's growth with his visionary "think ahead, act fast" concept, shared, "Since our inception 40 years ago, Banpu has been steadfast in our belief that an industry can only thrive when developed hand-in-hand with social and environmental responsibility. This guiding principle has shaped our business practices and defines our identity. As societal dynamics have evolved, we have embraced ESG principles, emphasising the significance of environmental, social, and governance aspects while also acting as a responsible corporate citizen wherever we operate. Equally important, we prioritise the development of our people's potential. These factors have enabled us to overcome obstacles and establish ourselves as a successful global organisation, consistently demonstrating our commitment to environmental and social responsibility."
Mr. Metee Auapinyakul, Director of Banpu Public Company Limited and another co-founder, expressed his perspective on the company's success, saying, "I believe that the key to our success today lies in having a 'leader' like Mr. Chanin, who fosters strong collaborations with experts from various fields. Furthermore, we have allocated substantial resources to cultivate the potential of our Banpu team, recognising that our employees are the most vital asset for driving business growth. Additionally, our positive relationships with stakeholders over the past 40 years have played an integral role in our business expansion and enabled us to contribute to society."
The Banpu team firmly believes in the importance of continuous learning, seeking opportunities amidst crises, and displaying boldness in investments—a recipe for maintaining a strong and cohesive team.
Mr. Ongart Auapinyakul, Director of Banpu Public Company Limited and another co-founder of the company, shared his perspective, saying, "Mr. Chanin and I have known each other since our time studying in the United States. When I was seeking an alternative fuel source for my family's tobacco curing business, I discovered coal. At that time, there was an oil price crisis, and nearly all oil in Thailand was imported. Finding a domestic energy source like coal as an alternative to oil was a promising prospect for Thailand's energy independence. That's why Metee and I began exploring opportunities in the coal mining business and invited Mr. Chanin to join us."
"Starting a business 40 years ago was no easy task. We would trek for days and camp in remote locations for several months. Communication was incredibly challenging because mobile phones didn't exist back then. However, what we did have was our dedicated team, always eager to learn. They sought knowledge from books, people, and every situation they encountered. Our team practiced relentlessly until we gained confidence and the courage to invest. These factors allowed Banpu to adapt to energy trends and global circumstances, leading to continuous growth and expansion overseas. Our initial investment in mining in Indonesia served as a production base for exports, propelling Banpu towards success before we further expanded our business in other countries, leading us to where we stand strong today."
Mrs. Somruedee Chaimongkol, CEO of Banpu Public Company Limited, who has played a crucial role in Banpu's transformation, expressed her gratitude, saying, "I feel deeply grateful to have been a part of this journey since almost the very beginning, joining the Banpu family in 1983. I have witnessed the company's growth and the personal growth of our employees. Despite encountering various obstacles and challenges along the way, we have overcome them by implementing a strategy to create a diversified portfolio of energy and establishing
subsidiaries to address energy issues from multiple dimensions. Since assuming the role of CEO in 2015, we have spearheaded the implementation of the Greener & Smarter strategy to drive our business operations. With this strategy, we actively seek new investment opportunities, collaborate with partners who possess specialised expertise, and integrate synergies within the Banpu ecosystem to add value and further strengthen our growth."
"I firmly believe that our success stems from our heartfelt approach, what we refer to as 'Banpu Heart.' It's a corporate culture that unites our over 6,000 employees toward a common goal: delivering sustainable energy, creating value for all stakeholders, and enhancing the quality of life for everyone."
Banpu Public Company Limited celebrated its 40th anniversary with a grand event held at The Athénée Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok. The highlight of the celebration was a captivating show titled "4 Decades of Our Way in Energy," which depicted Banpu's journey in delivering sustainable energy over the past 40 years. The show also emphasised how Banpu
has been actively engaged with society, the environment, and all stakeholders, exemplifying the theme of "Banpu Is Closer to You Than You Think."
In addition to the show, an exhibition showcased the comprehensive story of Banpu's business operations and significant milestones. The exhibition was divided into three main zones. The Banpu Core Business zone provided an overview of the company's operations in the three core groups under the Greener & Smarter strategy. It highlighted Banpu's commitment to driving energy security while upholding the company's promise of "Our Way in Energy." The Milestone zone documented pivotal events that shaped Banpu's business trajectory, marking key turning points in its history. Lastly, the Powering the Better Living for All zone explained Banpu's essential role in creating a better quality of life for people, society, and the environment.
The anniversary celebration brought together senior executives from both the public and private sectors. Esteemed business partners and distinguished members of the media also graced the event, underscoring Banpu's strong network of collaborators and stakeholders.