Energy for the Community: The Role of the Power Development Fund in the Buddharaksa Community Forest

This article aims to explain the origins and role of the Power Development Fund (PDF), under the supervision of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), as a financial mechanism established under Section 97(3) of the Energy Industry Act B.E. 2550 (2007) to support communities located near power plants. The study focuses on the Buddharaksa Community Forest in Si Kio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, where communities are affected by and entitled to benefits from the wind power project operated by Korat Wind Energy Co., Ltd. Villages with access to the fund include Moo 6 Ban Khlong Sai, Moo 7 Ban Sanga Phatthana, Moo 11 Ban Nong Phak Bung, Moo 15 Ban Sap Nam Thip, and Moo 16 Ban Chum Sam Renu. The article also presents practical guidelines for communities to legitimately and sustainably request support from the fund, emphasizing integration of environmental, educational, moral and economic development.