On 18 November 2022, NXPO Vice President Dr. Kanchana Wanichkorn attended a health assembly in Sakon Nakhon province. NXPO selected Sakon Nakhon to pilot a BCG project based on its strong engagement of the public, private and people sectors to drive the development, particularly in waste management. In 2015, a waste bank program was launched in Na Weng by community members, with the support of Sakon Nakhon Municipality. The program which now has over 200 members collects municipal solid waste for recycling. Wastes dropped off by members are separated by volunteers, and recyclable materials are then sold, generating income for members.
Waste bank program founder Mr. Tongpan Raksapon disclosed that he founded the program to make his community clean and livable. Driven by his passion for resource circulation, he has started a program to compost food waste in his neighborhood of 20 households and plans to expand to other neighborhoods.
Based on the success of the waste bank program driven by all stakeholders, Dr. Kanchana revealed that NXPO and Sakon Nakhon Health Assembly are planning to turn Sakon Nakhon into a circular city to serve as a model for national expansion. Sakon Nakhon model will not only create positive impact to the environment, but also generate additional income for people in the community.
Dr. Kanchana also added that NXPO has been chosen by the National Health Commission to champion the BCG poverty eradication program, one of the three agenda items to be discussed at the upcoming National Assembly of Thailand. The 15th National Assembly is scheduled to take place on 21-22 December 2022.
