EGCO Group, through the Thai Rak Pa Foundation, Extends Its Energy Mission to Nature Conservation, Unveils Winning Design for “Phrom Lok Waterfall Nature Trail” Inspired by the Theme “Designing Sustainability in Every Dimension”

Electricity Generating Public Company Limited or EGCO Group, through the Thai Rak Pa Foundation, continues to create long-term value alongside its energy business by launching the “Phrom Lok Waterfall Nature Trail Design Competition” at Khao Luang National Park in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The initiative aims to develop a model for a sustainable nature trail that is environmentally friendly and harmonizes with the context of the conservation area. The competition’s top honor was awarded to Team “Burgundy” for its concept, “Designing Sustainability in Every Dimension and Explorers of the Rainforest,” inviting visitors to awaken their senses, embrace the spirit of exploration, and uncover the hidden beauty of Phrom Lok Waterfall. The winning design will be further developed into detailed construction plans and brought to life as the Phrom Lok Waterfall Nature Trail, with completion expected in time for its official opening to visitors by December 2026.

The “2026 Design Competition for the Phrom Lok Waterfall Nature Trail in Khao Luang National Park, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province” was organized through a collaboration between EGCO Group, the Thai Rak Pa Foundation, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University, and the Thai Association of Landscape Architects. The competition aims to promote knowledge sharing and raise the standards for nature trail development in conservation areas, while providing students and the public with the opportunity to gain hands-on learning experience through the design process. Participants were challenged to create designs that are environmentally responsible, suitable for the context of the national park, and feasible for actual construction. The awards ceremony, held on 8 June 2026 at EGCO Headquarters, was jointly presided over by Dr. Saengchan Waitook, Deputy Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and Mr. Thawat Hirancharukorn, Senior Executive Vice President – Operations Management of EGCO Group and Vice Chairman of the Thai Rak Pa Foundation.

Mr. Thawat Hirancharukorn, Senior Executive Vice President – Operation Management of EGCO Group and Vice Chairman of the Thai Rak Pa Foundation, said: “For more than a decade, EGCO Group and the Thai Rak Pa Foundation have remained firmly committed to developing nature trails in protected areas across Thailand in collaboration with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Together, we have developed and enhanced 11 nature trails across 4 national parks in 3 provinces - Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Chaiyaphum. We believe these trails serve as bridges that connect people with nature, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of its true value. Through this design competition, we hope to create a platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging new perspectives, and elevating as well as expanding the potential of nature trail design. Ultimately, we want to demonstrate that landscape architecture can be seamlessly integrated with ecosystem conservation in ways that are both inspiring and sustainable.”

Dr. Saengchan Waitook, Deputy Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said: “The Phrom Lok Waterfall forest within Khao Luang National Park is an area of exceptional ecological importance and rich biodiversity. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is delighted that EGCO Group, the Thai Rak Pa Foundation, and the network partners have taken a leading role in organizing this design competition, harnessing the creativity of the younger generation to contribute to the development of this important natural area. The Department stands ready to support and work closely with all partners in advancing the winning design from concept to construction. Our shared goal is to create a nature trail that is academically sound, harmoniously integrated with the surrounding ecosystem, and safe for visitors.”

Mr. Kanyawat Lertpeerakorn, leader of Team “Burgundy,” the winner of the Phrom Lok Waterfall Nature Trail Design Competition, said: “We are truly honored that our team’s design has been selected as the blueprint for the development of the Phrom Lok Waterfall Nature Trail. As a team, Burgundy was not particularly familiar with designing projects in natural environments, so participating in this competition gave us the opportunity to learn about both the site and its surrounding natural context. Throughout the process, we received valuable guidance from experts across various disciplines, which challenged us to create a design that responds thoughtfully to every aspect of the site and meets the needs of both nature enthusiasts and visitors. As this is a new nature trail with many natural wonders yet to be discovered, our design concept “Designing Sustainability in Every Dimension” focuses on respecting the forest ecosystem, supporting the local community, and creating a trail that can be maintained sustainably over the long term.”

The Phrom Lok Waterfall Nature Trail, located within Khao Luang National Park in Phrom Khiri District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, is the 12th nature trail jointly developed by the Thai Rak Pa Foundation and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The new trail, with a round-trip distance of approximately 3 kilometers and an estimated hiking time of 2.5 hours, is designed to serve as a valuable learning destination for watershed forests and tropical rainforest ecosystems, while also providing an accessible nature-based tourism experience. The trail will be developed to ensure durability, visitor safety, environmental compatibility, and harmony with the surrounding landscape. The project also includes the construction of a trailhead and the installation of interpretive signage along the entire route.

The project reflects EGCO Group’s commitment to conserving natural resources while promoting learning opportunities and encouraging the balanced use of natural resources. Through this initiative, EGCO Group aims to create opportunities for people to experience and appreciate the value of nature, while fostering a shared responsibility for preserving these natural resources for future generations in a sustainable manner.

About Phrom Lok Waterfall

Phrom Lok Waterfall originates from the forested Khao Luang Mountain Range. According to local tradition, the waterfall derives its name from the belief that its steep terrain and dense forest, rich with towering trees and diverse plant species, were the dwelling place of sacred beings, particularly Brahma deities from across the celestial realms. As a result, the site came to be known as “Phrom Lok Waterfall,” a name that has endured to this day. Beyond serving as a vital water source that sustains local communities and agricultural activities, the waterfall is also a site of significant historical importance. In 1959, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (King Rama IX) and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother paid a royal visit to the waterfall. Today, Phrom Lok Waterfall continues to attract visitors who come to follow in the royal footsteps while experiencing the remarkable beauty and ecological richness of its watershed forest ecosystem.