Apply to join the activity: Click here

The recent flooding in Northern Thailand has caused severe damage to lives and property. Images of homes submerged in floodwaters and thick mud are not only the result of natural disasters, but also a reflection of human actions that neglect nature. Deforestation, obstruction of natural waterways, and changes in land use have disrupted ecological balance. The large volume of mud carried by flash floods is clear evidence of forest loss, leaving topsoil vulnerable to erosion.

These events prompt an important question: “How can we restore nature and create sustainable development so that humans and nature can coexist in balance?”

TCP Group invites the younger generation to explore nature-based solutions through the TCP Spirit’s “Kana Sed Sarng Year 3” program, under the course “Learning Circular Nature and Witnessing the Return of the Sarus Crane.”

This journey will take participants deep into the Biological Cycle, revealing the close relationship between our food consumption, daily lifestyles, and nature. Learning experiences will span organic rice fields, traditional textile weaving, and wetlands that serve as habitats for the Thai sarus crane in Buriram Province.

Volunteers will learn through hands-on activities such as rice pounding and winnowing, silkworm raising, and natural dyeing. These experiences highlight how essential natural resources are to daily necessities, from water and food to clothing. Participants will also study the successful restoration of the Thai sarus crane, a species once extinct in Thailand. Through more than ten years of research, breeding, and close collaboration with local communities, the cranes have successfully returned to wetlands in Buriram. This achievement stands as a source of pride for the local community.

Images courtesy of the Buriram Wetland and Thai Sarus Crane Learning Center

TCP Spirit is a volunteer initiative by TCP Group, a leading Thai and global beverage producer and distributor of brands such as Red Bull, Ready, Som Plus, Sponsor, Mansome, Hi x DHC, Puriku, and Sunsnack. The program invites consumers to explore sustainable production systems rooted in nature, biodiversity, ecology, and regenerative practices. Through this initiative, the students of the Kana Sed Sarng program gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between ecosystems and consumption, empowering them to participate in restoring and coexisting with nature in a balanced way. This year’s learning will be guided by Dr. Petch Manopawitr, one of Thailand’s leading conservationists with extensive experience in ecosystem and biodiversity work.

Courses Offered

Sed Sarng Science: Participants will explore the concept of biodiversity and its importance to the circular economy, learning how agricultural “residues” can be transformed into ecological value. The Thai sarus crane will be used as a key biodiversity indicator.

Images courtesy of the Buriram Wetland and Thai Sarus Crane Learning Center

Ecology and Regeneration:

This course traces the journey of reintroducing sarus cranes into the wild, examining how researchers build community acceptance and coexistence. Volunteers will also plant nut grass, one of the cranes’ preferred food sources, contributing to future food security for the species.

Organic Agriculture and Circular Living: Learn organic farming practices directly from experienced farmers who understand ecosystems and seasonal cycles. Participants will explore “rice grain” in depth through hands-on activities such as pounding, winnowing, and seedling cultivation. This experience is guaranteed to change how you view every meal of rice.

Silk Pathway to a Circular Economy: Volunteers will learn alongside the model community of Ban Hua Saphan, following the journey from silkworm to fiber. They will work with local women sages to plant mulberry trees, raise silkworms, reel silk, and dye fibers, gaining insight into traditional wisdom for the sustainable use of natural resources.

Water Cycles, Life Cycles: We will step back to see the bigger picture of the biological cycles that occur in nature. Dr. Petch Manopawitr, head instructor of the Kana Sed Sarng program, will explain that the circular economy is not a new concept but one that has long existed in nature, and how we can continue to sustain the circulation of resources in ways that support both humans and other living beings in a balanced and sustainable manner.

Thesis Session: Participants will reflect, synthesize ideas, and develop creative concepts into a “thesis” focused on managing “residues” to “create” value. Some ideas may even evolve into real-world solutions that inspire broader change.

Beyond the classroom, volunteers will enjoy birdwatching in the Huai Chorakhe Mak wetlands, witness sunrises during the Northeastern winter, savor Buriram’s famous “standing meatballs,” and experience rich local culture. Special guest Alex Rendell will also join the program, adding energy and inspiration throughout the activities.

Community Learning Sites

• Buriram Wetland and Thai Sarus Crane Learning Center
• Thieng Na Chef’s Table
• Ban Hua Saphan Community
• Airport Reservoir Non-Hunting Area

Duration: Intensive 3 days 2 nights Participants: Limited to 50 people Dates: Friday, November 8 – Sunday, November 10, 2024

Accommodation: Cresco Hotel Buriram

Transportation:

Departure by bus from T.C. Pharmaceutical Industries Company Limited (288 Ekachai Road, Khlong Bang Phran, Bang Bon, Bangkok) on Friday November 8, 2024 at 05:30 a.m.

Return to Bangkok, arriving at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2024

Schedule and locations may change depending on circumstances. Participants will be informed in advance.

Participation Conditions

• Free registration, no participation fee
• Open to individuals aged 18 and above
• Participants must have no serious health conditions affecting travel by boat or physical activities. Selected participants must confirm participation by paying a refundable deposit of Baht 1,000 by Thursday, October 31, 2024. Deposit will be refunded by Friday, November 15, 2024 after attendance. (No refunds will be issued for non-participation.)
• Accident insurance provided for all participants

How to Apply

• Applications open Monday, October 7, 2024. Applicants can click here to apply.
• Applications close Friday, October 25, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
• Selected participants are announced on the TCP Group Facebook page TCP Group Facebook page on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Selection is based on application responses.
• The transfer of the deposit to confirm participation in the volunteer selection activity is subject to the discretion of the organizers and the organizing team. Selected participants will be contacted by phone and provided with activity details via the email address used during registration.
• Participation rights are non-transferable. In the event that a selected participant withdraws, the organizing team will contact the next person on the waiting list.
• The deposit of Baht 1,000 is non-refundable if a participant withdraws after confirming participation.
• The decision of the organizing committee is final.