School of Engineering, University of Phayao, extends its congratulations on the success of the project entitled “Enhancing the Efficiency of Community-Based Distillation Systems through Engineering Technology in Accordance with the Principles of Sustainable Development,” led by Assistant Professor Dr. Erawin Thavorn, Associate Dean for Research and Academic Services, together with a team of School members and researchers from the School of Engineering, University of Phayao.
The project was honored with the SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Sustainable Development Learning Space Model Award at the 15th Phayao Research National Conference, held under the theme “SDG Global Connect: Learning from Best Practices.” The award was granted in recognition of the project’s research and development outcomes that are demonstrably aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conference took place on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, at Room UB002, the 99th Anniversary of Phra Ubali Khunupamachan (Puang Dhammapañño) Building, University of Phayao, and was organized by the Office of Research Administration.
The Kamnan Det Community Distillery Enterprise, located in Lor Subdistrict, Chun District, Phayao Province, is an agricultural community in which the majority of residents are engaged in rice farming. In addition to rice production for consumption, the community has developed value-added agricultural processing enterprises, including the distillation of traditional white liquor from glutinous rice under the brand name “Khiree Khan.” This community enterprise plays a vital role in generating local income, distributing economic benefits within the community through employment opportunities, and purchasing rice from local farmers.
Field investigations conducted by the research team revealed that the existing community distillation system suffered from relatively low efficiency, prolonged distillation time per batch, and high consumption of fuel or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These limitations stemmed from multiple technical and operational factors, directly affecting product quality control and increasing production costs. Consequently, both the community enterprise and the research team reached a shared agreement to implement this project with the objective of improving the efficiency of the community distillation system while significantly reducing energy-related production costs.
This project represents a critical pathway for upgrading the traditional local liquor industry toward greater efficiency and long-term sustainability. Furthermore, the researchers aim to develop this enterprise into a prototype lifelong learning space under the Sustainable Development framework (Learning Space for Lifelong Learning with SDGs) and the creative economy paradigm, focusing on safe, legal, and high-quality community-based distilled liquor production. This initiative will enable surrounding communities and interested stakeholders to engage in experiential learning, exchange best practices, and further develop distilled liquor products that can be positioned as a form of provincial “Soft Power” for Phayao.
The project is aligned with six core Sustainable Development Goals, as follows:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Maximizing the value of agricultural raw materials, reducing food loss, and providing stable markets for farmers’ produce.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy efficiency throughout the production process.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Supporting the growth of community enterprises through improved efficiency and reduced production costs.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Advancing technology and innovation in liquor production processes to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Minimizing waste generated from production processes and promoting efficient energy use.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Developing a prototype lifelong learning space grounded in sustainable development and the creative economy.
The receipt of this award reflects the strong capacity of the School of Engineering, University of Phayao, to drive research and academic services that deliver tangible contributions to sustainable development. It also reaffirms the University’s role as a key mechanism in community and societal development, grounded in knowledge, innovation, and evidence-based engineering solutions.