Sisaket: The palm trees planted by Police Lieutenant Wichai Suriyut along the roadsides of Prang Ku District have become a source of economic opportunity for local villagers. These palm trees, numbering over two million, are now being used to produce high-quality odor-absorbing charcoal.
According to Thai News Agency, the Khok Nong Na Community Enterprise in Ban Nok Khok Na, Ban Pong Samakkhi, Khok Chan Subdistrict, in collaboration with Sisaket Rajabhat University, has been researching the use of palm fruit to create this specialized charcoal. Supported by research from Ubon Ratchathani University, it has been found that charcoal made from palm fruit has superior odor-absorbing properties. The charcoal powder is six times cleaner than conventional biochar, and it does not spread easily.
Mr. Rung Champa Thong, the president of the Khok Nong Na Ban Nok Khok Na Community Enterprise, shared that the initiative began when he noticed the abundance of old and fallen palm stalks planted by Sergeant Wichai along th
e roadside. This prompted a collaboration with Sisaket Rajabhat University to transform these palm stalks into beneficial products, leading to the creation of charcoal bag products designed to absorb odors.
The production process involves burning palm sugar in a charcoal kiln, followed by a second burning in a smaller kiln to produce cleaner charcoal. This charcoal is then crushed into powder, sifted into flakes, and packaged as odor-absorbing charcoal bags. These unique and easy-to-use bags effectively absorb various unpleasant odors, such as musty, damp, chemical, and household smells. Priced at 70 baht per bag, these products are not only functional but also help create jobs and support the local economy.
For those interested in purchasing or learning more, Mr. Rung Champa Thong can be contacted via Facebook at Champa Thong Sai Nam Haeng Freedom.