On October 16, 2025, at Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province
The National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), in collaboration with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), has advanced the deployment of “EnPAT,” Thailand’s bio-based, palm-derived, and fire-safe transformer oil, by installing EnPAT-filled transformers in Rob Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province. The initiative is supervised by the PEA Chiang Rai branch, with Mr. Sombat Sarnthong, Manager of PEA Chiang Rai, overseeing the installation.
EnPAT is an innovative bio-based transformer oil made from Thai palm oil, developed to perform reliably across diverse environmental conditions. EnPAT offers enhanced safety, biodegradability, and sustainability compared with conventional mineral oils. This installation in Chiang Rai serves as a crucial field test in a challenging climate, as the province experiences notably low temperatures during certain periods of the year, particularly in winter. Following the installation, PEA and NSTDA research teams will continue to monitor and analyze the transformer’s performance to evaluate EnPAT’s efficiency and reliability under varying climatic conditions.
Chiang Rai occupies a strategic position as a “gateway city,” facilitating cross-border trade with neighboring countries including Laos PDR, Myanmar, and southern China. Chiang Rai has also experienced significant growth in residential development, hotels, and resorts aligned with sustainable eco-tourism initiatives. The deployment of EnPAT bio-based transformer oil therefore not only strengthens the province’s electrical system safety and operational reliability but also reinforces its commitment to environmental sustainability throughout Chiang Rai Province.
PEA Supports Sustainable Community Development and Tourism in Chiang Rai with the EnPAT-Filled Transformer
Mr. Sombat Sarnthong, Manager of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) Chiang Rai Branch, gave an interview during the installation of the EnPAT-filled transformer in Chiang Rai Province on October 16, 2025.
“On behalf of the Provincial Electricity Authority, Chiang Rai Branch, I would like to express our gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this pilot project applying EnPAT in real-world conditions. Chiang Rai is Thailand’s northernmost province, home to the Golden Triangle bordering Myanmar and Laos. With its mountainous landscape, highland areas, and cool climate, the province is well known for its eco-tourism. That’s why EnPAT technology is such a perfect fit for Chiang Rai.
EnPAT is a bio-based transformer oil composed of 97% palm oil. In the event of leakage, it poses minimal environmental impact as it’s completely biodegradable. It also has a significantly higher flash and fire point, almost twice that of conventional mineral oil, making it much safer. In the case of an accident, the risk of fire spread, ignition, or combustion is greatly reduced. This dramatically enhances safety for communities living near the transformer, allowing residents to have greater confidence in their electricity supply.
Since the base material of EnPAT is palm oil, which is domestically produced rather than imported, it also helps promote our agricultural sector, truly reflecting the principle of ‘Thai-made, Thai-used, for Thai prosperity.’
PEA, Chiang Rai Branch is honored to support this real-world pilot implementation. We are 100% committed and genuinely hopeful for its success, for the benefit of communities throughout Chiang Rai Province and across Thailand.”
