Khanom Learning Center: From a Floating Power Plant to a Landmark of Industrial Heritage for the Community

Receiving the Architectural Conservation Award 2024 in Category A: Architectural and Community Heritage Conservation at the Excellence Level, graciously bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, marks another significant milestone for Khanom Learning Center in Khanom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, operated by EGCO Group. The recognition reflects the success of conserving and repurposing Floating Khanom Power Plant Unit 1 into a learning center dedicated to energy and industrial heritage.

However, the value of the Khanom Learning Center extends far beyond receiving the award. It was further highlighted through the special panel discussion, “From a Floating Power Plant to a Landmark of Industrial Heritage for the Community,” which brought together perspectives from experts in heritage conservation, tourism, urban development, and community representatives. The discussion highlighted the Khanom Learning Center’s evolving role as a learning hub that connects history, local identity, and sustainable development. The panel was held recently in conjunction with the installation ceremony of the royal award plaque for the Architectural Conservation Award at the Khanom Learning Center.

Mr. Thawat Hirancharukorn, Senior Executive Vice President – Operation Management of Electricity Generating Public Company Limited or EGCO Group, said, “Receiving this royal award is not solely a reflection of EGCO Group’s capabilities. It is the result of the collaboration and support of all stakeholders. This achievement and honor are therefore shared by government agencies, the private sector, educational institutions, museum and tourism networks, as well as the Khanom community. EGCO Group and Khanom Power Plant, will continue to develop the Khanom Learning Center as a learning hub for energy and industrial heritage, while strengthening collaboration with all sectors to create value for the community, promote tourism, and contribute to the sustainable development of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and Thailand.”

The story of the Khanom Learning Center began more than four decades ago, when the Floating Power Plant arrived to strengthen energy security in southern Thailand. Although it ceased power generation in 2011, EGCO Group preserved and repurposed the facility into a learning center to carry forward the value of its industrial heritage and the story of the Khanom community for future generations.

Mr. Rachen Bunyapipat, Managing Director of Khanom Electricity Generating Company Limited, said, “The transformation of the power plant into this learning center marks an important milestone in expanding the role of Khanom Power Plant from a power producer to a source of knowledge and inspiration for society, particularly for young people, educational study groups, and the general public. It also serves as a learning hub where visitors can gain a better understanding of the power system, energy, and the harmonious coexistence of industry, communities, and the environment.”

Mr. Sumet Rujiwanitkul, Senior Architect, praised the initiative, saying, “This floating power plant is a rare example of industrial heritage. EGCO Group deserves recognition for seeing its value and choosing to preserve and transform it into a learning center, rather than allowing its story to end when it ceased power generation.” He also emphasized, “Conservation can only succeed when all sectors recognize the value of their shared heritage and are united by a common commitment to preserving it for future generations.”

This perspective was echoed by Mrs. Pongkwan Lassus, Member of the Board and Chair of the Architectural Conservation Committee of the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage, who noted, “Today, conservation is no longer simply about preserving old buildings. It is about safeguarding their historical and social significance while ensuring they continue to serve meaningful purposes in today's context. The Khanom Learning Center is an excellent example of adaptive reuse, one that respects the site's original heritage while creating a space for learning and public engagement.”

Sharing a similar perspective, Dr. Wasu Posayanan, Architect Expert at the Fine Arts Department and a member of the Architectural Conservation Committee of the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage, said, “Conservation is not simply about preserving the age of a building, it is about preserving the value of the place itself.” He added, “Khanom Power Plant demonstrates that when the value and story of a place are effectively communicated, society comes to recognize the importance of industrial heritage. Conservation can only be sustained when local communities are actively involved and develop a sense of ownership.”

Dr. Rungsima Kullapat, Chair of TICCIH Thailand (The International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage - Thailand), said, “The Khanom Learning Center is frequently cited within the industrial heritage conservation community as an exemplary case of how a former industrial site can be transformed into a learning center that creates lasting value for society, rather than focusing solely on economic returns.” She also expressed her hope that the Khanom Learning Center would one day become Thailand’s first industrial heritage site to receive global recognition.

Beyond its significance in heritage conservation, the Khanom Learning Center has also been recognized as a key driver in enhancing Khanom District’s potential as a quality tourism destination. Mr. Montri Manator, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Nakhon Si Thammarat Office, said, “Khanom is distinguished by its rich natural environment, tranquil atmosphere, and unique local way of life. The Khanom Learning Center has enriched the district’s tourism offerings by creating a learning experience that connects energy, nature, and the local community, further strengthening Khanom’s readiness to become a high-quality tourism destination.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Supawong Kueasang, Manager of the Southern Regional Office, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), noted, “This venue has strong potential to support technical visits and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities, which will help generate economic circulation and create new opportunities for the province.”

Mr. Noppadol Khaomali, Chief of Khanom District, shared this view, saying, “The Khanom Learning Center has enriched Khanom’s identity as a destination where tourism, learning, and conservation come together in harmony. It offers visitors a new and distinctive experience while creating long-term economic opportunities for the local community.”

At the local level, Mr. Alongkot Watcharasin, President of the Tourism Industry Council of Nakhon Si Thammarat, remarked, “The Khanom Learning Center is more than just a new tourist attraction. It is a place that strengthens the relationship between the power plant and the local community, and it has the potential to become the ‘heart’ of Khanom, bringing both pride and economic opportunities to local residents. I believe the Khanom Learning Center will become another important landmark that introduces more visitors to Khanom, while serving as a catalyst for tourism development built upon the area's authentic values.”

From a “floating power plant” that once generated the energy to drive the development of southern Thailand, the site is now creating a different kind of power, the power of learning, conservation, and collaboration among all sectors. Together, these forces are ensuring that this industrial heritage continues to thrive while creating new and lasting value for the community.

The Khanom Learning Center is therefore more than an award-winning building. It is evolving into a landmark for learning in Khanom District, a model for industrial heritage conservation in Thailand, and a place that sustainably connects the community’s past, present, and future.