Mrs. Gloyta noted that Bangchak supports the proposed initial SAF blending mandate of 1% in Thailand starting in 2026. While the mandate has not yet been officially announced, she believed that it would provide clarity for producers and stakeholders. She further observed that although SAF currently remains more expensive than conventional jet fuel, a 1% blend would not significantly affect airfares. Importantly, investing in SAF represents a vital step toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Bangchak Group is a pioneer in producing Neat SAF (100%) from used cooking oil (UCO), along with other alternative feedstocks such as industrial and service-sector waste residues. The production process is certified to international standards by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). The Group also benefits from a key infrastructure advantage, its dedicated SAF pipeline, which connects directly from the SAF production unit at Bangchak's Phra Khanong refinery to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, ensuring highly efficient fuel distribution. It also supports the use of Book & Claim systems and carbon markets to reflect actual aviation emissions reductions and to deliver added value to airlines and customers.
On feedstock, Mrs. Gloyta explained that Bangchak's SAF production unit primarily uses UCO but also sees strategic opportunities to leverage crude palm oil (CPO) as an additional feedstock option. Thailand, as one of the world's largest palm oil producers, possesses abundant CPO resources that could be effectively utilized for SAF production. While CPO is not yet certified under EU RED II or ICAO CORSIA standards, Thailand has the capability to develop a stringent and internationally recognized certification system. Such an approach would help balance environmental sustainability with energy security while also supporting the country's agricultural economy. She also stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the establishment of clear operational frameworks to advance Thailand's goal of becoming a regional SAF hub.
The session, moderated by Mr. Gabriel Ho, Founder & CSO of Asia Sustainable Aviation Fuel Association (ASAFA) featured insights from Dr. Seksan Phrommanich, Vice Chairman of the Renewable Energy Industry Club at the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), and Mr. Thunyawee Pongwattanasuk, Managing Director, Ethanol of Mitr Phol Group. The panel explored pathways to scale SAF and enhance Thailand's competitiveness in the global low-carbon aviation economy. They also highlighted Thailand's strong ethanol base as a platform for Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) technology.
Hosted by the Asia Sustainable Aviation Fuel Association (ASAFA), the summit serves as a high-level platform for cross-sectoral collaboration, promoting policy dialogue, technology exchange, and investment models to accelerate SAF development across Asia.
