Oraya Sutabutr_Rukkakorn SE
Rooted in responsibility, we combat climate change through advanced urban tree care, empowering communities, and fostering green jobs in Thailand
"'Rukkakorn SE' offers high-quality and comprehensive tree care and/or arboriculture services. Through collaboration with communities and government organizations, Rukkakorn SE advocates for sustainable practices, upskill professionals to become specialized in arboriculture, and ensure the well-being of our vital green infrastructure. Standardized tree care also helps save tree management budgets and increase tree health and longevity."
Asia Beautiful Fellowship program helps to alleviate the climate crisis by finding social entrepreneurs with effective solutions in Asian developing countries and supporting them in various ways to make the impact they create sustainably.
To learn more about Asia Beautiful Fellow, including its business background, selection criteria, and support offerings, please click the link below!
Thailand, one of the most beloved travel destinations for Koreans!
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is the most densely populated city in the country and attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year. However, the city is grappling with severe air pollution caused by rapid urbanization driven by population growth and industrialization, threatening the quality of life for its residents.
Urban forests and trees play a vital role in combating these issues by absorbing carbon dioxide, purifying the air, and lowering atmospheric temperatures through transpiration. Forests also enhance resilience to challenges like heat waves, flooding, and water quality degradation. Unfortunately, Thailand is facing a decline in forested areas, exacerbating air pollution and global warming.
In 2010, forests covered over 37% of Thailand's land area, amounting to 16.6 million hectares. By 2023, however, the country had lost 84,000 hectares of forest—a loss equivalent to the release of 160 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Let us introduce Oraya Sutabutr, a member of the third cohort of the Asia Beautiful Fellow, who is dedicated to preserving Thailand's forest ecosystems. She focuses on the critical relationship between forests and air quality by providing professional tree care services, empowering communities, and creating green jobs in Thailand.
What is Rukkakorn?
ⓒBeautifulStore, Rukkakorn SE
Rukkakorn is a social enterprise founded by Oraya in 2016 to address the challenges of low-quality tree care and the lack of skilled tree care professionals in Thailand. Rukkakorn promotes proper tree care that benefits the environment and people's livelihoods while creating sustainable jobs and enhancing individuals' skills through tree care training.
Having witnessed the damage caused to trees by unskilled workers and unnecessary tree removal, Oraya recognized the need for proactive measures. Members of Rukkakorn share the belief that tree cultivation plays a vital role in mitigating climate crisis, improves urban well-being and paves the way for the growth of Thailand’s green sector.
Rukkakorn wants to tackle these issues
ⓒglobalforestwatch
From 2001 to 2023, Thailand lost about 2.55 million hectares of forest, representing a 13% decrease in total forest area since 2000, and the release of 1.52 Gt (1.52 billion kg) of carbon dioxide. Thailand’s forests are steadily shrinking. To address the air pollution issue in Bangkok, the country’s largest city, it is essential to have an adequate number of trees in urban areas. In fact, due to the urban heat island effect in Bangkok, the number of residents seeking medical treatment for respiratory illnesses such as asthma is steadily increasing.
ⓒLSE
Oraya and Rukkakorn see improper tree care practices, the lack of related public policies, and the shortage of skilled tree care professionals as fundamental causes of worsening urban air pollution. By implementing proper tree care practices and developing a skilled workforce, they work to reduce carbon emissions and maintain healthy urban trees.
Additionally, their initiative aims to create stable jobs for Thailand’s impoverished population, which constitutes about 6.2% of the total population (earning less than $5 per day), thus addressing poverty and supporting sustainable tree management in urban areas.
What does Rukkakorn do?
The core customers and participants in Rukkakorn's business include government organizations, private companies and institutions, low-income individuals, and young people seeking employment in the environmental and urban forestry sectors.
① Tree care services consulting the environment
When Rukkakorn receives inquiries from customers online, certified tree care professionals visit the customer’s private land to conduct a thorough assessment of the trees. During the assessment, the experts examine the tree's health, condition, potential risks, and surrounding environment. They discuss the findings with the customer and recommend appropriate care services. Throughout the tree care process, organic fertilizers and treatments are used, minimizing the use of chemicals. Additionally, Rukkakorn strives to reduce waste by converting tree residues, such as those from pruning, into biochar, which can be used as organic fertilizer.
② Green job education for the vulnerable class
ⓒRukkakorn SE
In Thailand, offering proper tree care services has been difficult due to a lack of knowledge and experts in the field. To address this, Oraya and Rukkakorn have been conducting various educational programs and campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of tree preservation. Specifically, they provide affordable tree care training to the vulnerable class, helping them begin their careers in this field. The goal is to empower these individuals to build stable careers and become change-makers alongside Rukkakorn.
③ Improvement of tree care awareness and system structuring
ⓒRukkakorn SE
Oraya has worked hard for a long time to raise awareness of the importance of proper tree care. She has built a system by training tree care experts through professional education and encouraging the participation of others in the same field, the public, and local governments.
Rukkakorn is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), but not all organizations can join due to the financial qualification process. To address this, Oraya established the Thailand Arborist Association (TAA), which allows small and medium-sized organizations in Thailand to network and share the proper insights on tree care methods.
Rukkakorn also conducts various environmental education programs and campaigns to raise public awareness about tree care. They offer workshops on sustainable tree care practices, open to anyone interested in the environment. Additionally, they have connected with arborists from various countries to exchange ideas and have hosted tree climbing competitions to engage the public in a fun way while promoting the importance of tree care. They also run educational programs for students, teaching tree climbing, introducing indicators of a healthy environment, and providing information on insects commonly found in parks.
Beyond individual efforts, they also collaborate extensively with local governments. They educate public officials on proper tree management techniques and their importance. When trees in urban areas are damaged or toppled by typhoons, Rukkakorn steps in to assess the situation and provide appropriate management solutions. In doing so, Oraya and Rukkakorn engage various community members to build systems that foster climate resilience and create a sustainable society.
People working with Rukkakorn
① Staff, Laeiad Panpa & Sasima Deesoi
ⓒBeautifulStore
(Left) I’ve been working at Rukkakorn for 7 years, managing project operations as a general manager. Rukkakorn educates people and government officials about proper tree care practices. I believe we are making an impact in Bangkok and throughout Thailand by teaching people how to care for trees and highlighting the role of tree care experts. I feel rewarded when I see healthy trees. The most meaningful moment for me was when we cared for a tree that was over 400 years old. Before Rukkakorn’s care, it hadn’t bloomed, but after we took care of it, it bloomed again. It is historically significant, so that moment stands out the most for me. Rukkakorn’s primary goal is to spread the message of being 'Guardians of the Trees' and to inspire as many people as possible to join our mission and grow together
(Right) I’ve been working at Rukkakorn for 3 years, handling communication with customers. When I met Oraya, I saw her as someone who could realize the vision by educating people and creating change, which is why I decided to join Rukkakorn. Oraya is an excellent leader. She always instills the belief that we can succeed and that we are doing good things for others. One of Rukkakorn's major goals is to contribute to global environmental improvement in the future.
② Volunteer, Annie
ⓒBeautifulStore
I first met Oraya when I was volunteering for the Big Tree Foundation, which she established. She invited me to interesting gatherings and events whenever they took place. Rukkakorn is a special organization because it engages with people who are interested in the environment. What I realized from observing the activities Oraya created is that terms like 'arborist' weren’t commonly used in Thailand.
However, thanks to Oraya and Rukkakorn, people have become more familiar with these concepts and have had the opportunity to learn about proper tree care. Recently, there was a news report about a tree that had fallen on a road in Bangkok, and the city's governor mentioned that the Big Tree Foundation or Rukkakorn would be involved in addressing the issue. I believe this demonstrates the significant impact Rukkakorn is having in Bangkok.
③ Tree care education students, Chai & Piapole
ⓒBeautifulStore
(Left) I’m Chai, and I’ve worked as an arborist in Singapore for about 30 years. I met Oraya at a tree climbing competition five years ago, in 2019, and her passion for tree care inspired me to return to Thailand to focus on educating others about proper tree management. Currently, I’m working with Piapol (on the right) and thoroughly enjoying my role as a trainer at Rukkakorn. It’s incredibly fulfilling to share my knowledge and skills, especially knowing that the training helps people secure jobs.
What I appreciate most about Rukkakorn is its deep knowledge of tree diseases and its commitment to improving public awareness of tree care. Unlike other organizations that focus solely on pruning, Rukkakorn provides detailed information about each tree and offers education on diseases and overall tree management.
(Right) I’m Piapol, and I started working as an arborist with Rukkakorn 7–8 years ago, around 2016. In 2022, I decided to start my own company, but I still collaborate with Rukkakorn on certain projects. During my time there, I received comprehensive training in proper tree management techniques, pruning, and safety practices. Working with Rukkakorn also gave me opportunities to travel to new areas, see a variety of trees, and learn how to manage diverse situations.
Now, with 10 years of experience as an arborist, I’ve noticed that public awareness of tree care has significantly improved. In the past, pruning was often done incorrectly, but now, I can see properly managed trees outside, which shows how much progress has been made.
④ Securing Market Access through Fair Trade and Continuous Quality Improvement
ⓒBeautifulStore
I’ve known Oraya for over 20 years. Back when she was teaching students in the English department at the university, I was working in the linguistics department in the same building. Before Oraya started her projects, there weren’t many places with expertise in tree care. In contrast, Rukkakorn’s arborists demonstrate a professional approach to tree management.
Whenever I have questions about tree care, the arborists at Rukkakorn provide thorough and accurate answers.
I believe Oraya and Rukkakorn’s efforts have inspired people to take an interest in tree care. Through various events, more people are not only becoming curious about proper tree management but also considering careers in the field of arboriculture.
Even when we were both working at the university, I always saw Oraya as an honest and genuine person who constantly sought better solutions. I believe this mindset of hers has been instrumental in driving the meaningful changes we see today.
Future Plan of Rukkakorn
① Decreasing carbon dioxide emissions through promoting proper tree care management
As of 2023, the number of trees under professional care is 650, but this is expected to grow to 1,000 by 2025! The urban tree data collected through tree plotter software currently accounts for approximately 30,000 trees, with plans to expand this to 50,000 trees by 2025. The carbon sequestration calculated using the tree plotter software is projected to increase from the current 318,000 kg to 400,000 kg by 2025. Additionally, the monetary value associated with carbon reduction is expected to rise from $14,500 to $20,000 during the same period.
② Enhancing Urban Tree Health and Public Awareness of Climate Crisis Through Green Job Creation
The number of arborist trainees is expected to increase from around 400 individuals currently to 600 by 2026. The training programs, which currently run approximately eight sessions per year, will expand to 12 sessions annually by 2026. This growth will contribute to healthier urban trees and substantial improvement in public awareness of the climate crisis.
③ Supporting Income Growth for Low-Income Workers Through Arborist Training
The increase in the number of arborists directly contributes to job creation and income growth for Thai citizens. Skilled arborists currently earn an average annual income of $17,000, but with skill-based rewards, this is expected to rise to $18,000 by 2026.
Oraya and Rukkakorn's love and care for the trees in urban areas is truly remarkable, isn’t it? The story made me realize that the orderly and well-maintained streetscapes that we often take for granted in our country are the result of the efforts and actions of civil society in Thailand.
In just a few years, I believe the entire city of Thailand will become greener with healthy trees, and arborists will become one of Thailand’s emerging and promising professions. The fact that Oraya and Rukkakorn are playing a key role in this transformative process is incredible! Please continue to support and follow Rukkakorn’s activities as they move forward!
BeautifulStore walks alongside social entrepreneurs in Asia, like Oraya, who are dedicated to solving environmental issues. We look forward to seeing the incredible work they will accomplish during their two-year journey with BeautifulStore! 😊
BeautifulStore will continue to collaborate with and support local residents and partners for ‘beautiful change’ in the world, and we ask for your support for self-reliance and sustainable development in the region. Thank you very much.
Asia Beautiful Fellowship program helps to alleviate the climate crisis by finding social entrepreneurs
with effective solutions in Asian developing countries and supporting them in various ways
to make the impact they create sustainably.
To learn more about Asia Beautiful Fellow, including its business background, selection criteria,
and support offerings, please click the link below!
Thailand, one of the most beloved travel destinations for Koreans!
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is the most densely populated city in the country and attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year. However, the city is grappling with severe air pollution caused by rapid urbanization driven by population growth and industrialization, threatening the quality of life for its residents.
Urban forests and trees play a vital role in combating these issues by absorbing carbon dioxide, purifying the air, and lowering atmospheric temperatures through transpiration. Forests also enhance resilience to challenges like heat waves, flooding, and water quality degradation. Unfortunately, Thailand is facing a decline in forested areas, exacerbating air pollution and global warming.
In 2010, forests covered over 37% of Thailand's land area, amounting to 16.6 million hectares. By 2023, however, the country had lost 84,000 hectares of forest—a loss equivalent to the release of 160 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Let us introduce Oraya Sutabutr, a member of the third cohort of the Asia Beautiful Fellow, who is dedicated to preserving Thailand's forest ecosystems. She focuses on the critical relationship between forests and air quality by providing professional tree care services, empowering communities, and creating green jobs in Thailand.
Rukkakorn is a social enterprise founded by Oraya in 2016 to address the challenges of low-quality tree care and the lack of skilled tree care professionals in Thailand. Rukkakorn promotes proper tree care that benefits the environment and people's livelihoods while creating sustainable jobs and enhancing individuals' skills through tree care training.
From 2001 to 2023, Thailand lost about 2.55 million hectares of forest, representing a 13% decrease in total forest area since 2000, and the release of 1.52 Gt (1.52 billion kg) of carbon dioxide. Thailand’s forests are steadily shrinking. To address the air pollution issue in Bangkok, the country’s largest city, it is essential to have an adequate number of trees in urban areas. In fact, due to the urban heat island effect in Bangkok, the number of residents seeking medical treatment for respiratory illnesses such as asthma is steadily increasing.
Oraya and Rukkakorn see improper tree care practices, the lack of related public policies, and the shortage of skilled tree care professionals as fundamental causes of worsening urban air pollution. By implementing proper tree care practices and developing a skilled workforce, they work to reduce carbon emissions and maintain healthy urban trees. Additionally, their initiative aims to create stable jobs for Thailand’s impoverished population, which constitutes about 6.2% of the total population (earning less than $5 per day), thus addressing poverty and supporting sustainable tree management in urban areas.
The core customers and participants in Rukkakorn's business include government organizations, private companies and institutions, low-income individuals, and young people seeking employment in the environmental and urban forestry sectors.
When Rukkakorn receives inquiries from customers online, certified tree care professionals visit the customer’s private land to conduct a thorough assessment of the trees. During the assessment, the experts examine the tree's health, condition, potential risks, and surrounding environment. They discuss the findings with the customer and recommend appropriate care services. Throughout the tree care process, organic fertilizers and treatments are used, minimizing the use of chemicals. Additionally, Rukkakorn strives to reduce waste by converting tree residues, such as those from pruning, into biochar, which can be used as organic fertilizer.
In Thailand, offering proper tree care services has been difficult due to a lack of knowledge and experts in the field. To address this, Oraya and Rukkakorn have been conducting various educational programs and campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of tree preservation. Specifically, they provide affordable tree care training to the vulnerable class, helping them begin their careers in this field. The goal is to empower these individuals to build stable careers and become change-makers alongside Rukkakorn.
Oraya has worked hard for a long time to raise awareness of the importance of proper tree care. She has built a system by training tree care experts through professional education and encouraging the participation of others in the same field, the public, and local governments.
Rukkakorn is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), but not all organizations can join due to the financial qualification process. To address this, Oraya established the Thailand Arborist Association (TAA), which allows small and medium-sized organizations in Thailand to network and share the proper insights on tree care methods.
Rukkakorn also conducts various environmental education programs and campaigns to raise public awareness about tree care. They offer workshops on sustainable tree care practices, open to anyone interested in the environment. Additionally, they have connected with arborists from various countries to exchange ideas and have hosted tree climbing competitions to engage the public in a fun way while promoting the importance of tree care. They also run educational programs for students, teaching tree climbing, introducing indicators of a healthy environment, and providing information on insects commonly found in parks.
Beyond individual efforts, they also collaborate extensively with local governments. They educate public officials on proper tree management techniques and their importance. When trees in urban areas are damaged or toppled by typhoons, Rukkakorn steps in to assess the situation and provide appropriate management solutions. In doing so, Oraya and Rukkakorn engage various community members to build systems that foster climate resilience and create a sustainable society.
Farmers, particularly in Kenawat, often struggle to find markets for their coffee. Adena Coffee is committed to ethical business practices while constantly working to expand its reach. Through partnerships with local farmers, they create pathways for stable sales and export Indonesian coffee to markets in Japan, Europe, Taiwan, and beyond, helping globalize Indonesian coffee.
They also actively promote eco-friendly specialty coffee and local communities by utilizing regional networks and media to expand both domestic and international consumer markets and spread the culture of sustainable consumption.
Adena Coffee’s close partnerships with farmers are key. They ensure farmers receive fair compensation while providing customers with custom blends that appeal to targeted audiences. Adena Coffee buys beans from farmers at prices above the market rate and applies seven detailed quality control standards from harvest to final product to ensure top-quality coffee. These efforts are crucial in establishing Adena Coffee as both an eco-friendly and commercially viable coffee brand.
(Left) I’ve been working at Rukkakorn for 7 years, managing project operations as a general manager. Rukkakorn educates people and government officials about proper tree care practices. I believe we are making an impact in Bangkok and throughout Thailand by teaching people how to care for trees and highlighting the role of tree care experts. I feel rewarded when I see healthy trees. The most meaningful moment for me was when we cared for a tree that was over 400 years old. Before Rukkakorn’s care, it hadn’t bloomed, but after we took care of it, it bloomed again. It is historically significant, so that moment stands out the most for me. Rukkakorn’s primary goal is to spread the message of being 'Guardians of the Trees' and to inspire as many people as possible to join our mission and grow together
I first met Oraya when I was volunteering for the Big Tree Foundation, which she established. She invited me to interesting gatherings and events whenever they took place. Rukkakorn is a special organization because it engages with people who are interested in the environment. What I realized from observing the activities Oraya created is that terms like 'arborist' weren’t commonly used in Thailand. However, thanks to Oraya and Rukkakorn, people have become more familiar with these concepts and have had the opportunity to learn about proper tree care. Recently, there was a news report about a tree that had fallen on a road in Bangkok, and the city's governor mentioned that the Big Tree Foundation or Rukkakorn would be involved in addressing the issue. I believe this demonstrates the significant impact Rukkakorn is having in Bangkok.
(Left) I’m Chai, and I’ve worked as an arborist in Singapore for about 30 years. I met Oraya at a tree climbing competition five years ago, in 2019, and her passion for tree care inspired me to return to Thailand to focus on educating others about proper tree management. Currently, I’m working with Piapol (on the right) and thoroughly enjoying my role as a trainer at Rukkakorn. It’s incredibly fulfilling to share my knowledge and skills, especially knowing that the training helps people secure jobs.
What I appreciate most about Rukkakorn is its deep knowledge of tree diseases and its commitment to improving public awareness of tree care. Unlike other organizations that focus solely on pruning, Rukkakorn provides detailed information about each tree and offers education on diseases and overall tree management.
(Right) I’m Piapol, and I started working as an arborist with Rukkakorn 7–8 years ago, around 2016. In 2022, I decided to start my own company, but I still collaborate with Rukkakorn on certain projects. During my time there, I received comprehensive training in proper tree management techniques, pruning, and safety practices. Working with Rukkakorn also gave me opportunities to travel to new areas, see a variety of trees, and learn how to manage diverse situations.
Now, with 10 years of experience as an arborist, I’ve noticed that public awareness of tree care has significantly improved. In the past, pruning was often done incorrectly, but now, I can see properly managed trees outside, which shows how much progress has been made.
I first met Oraya when I was volunteering for the Big Tree Foundation, which she established. She invited me to interesting gatherings and events whenever they took place. Rukkakorn is a special organization because it engages with people who are interested in the environment. What I realized from observing the activities Oraya created is that terms like 'arborist' weren’t commonly used in Thailand. However, thanks to Oraya and Rukkakorn, people have become more familiar with these concepts and have had the opportunity to learn about proper tree care. Recently, there was a news report about a tree that had fallen on a road in Bangkok, and the city's governor mentioned that the Big Tree Foundation or Rukkakorn would be involved in addressing the issue. I believe this demonstrates the significant impact Rukkakorn is having in Bangkok.
① Decreasing carbon dioxide emissions through promoting proper tree care management
As of 2023, the number of trees under professional care is 650, but this is expected to grow to 1,000 by 2025! The urban tree data collected through tree plotter software currently accounts for approximately 30,000 trees, with plans to expand this to 50,000 trees by 2025. The carbon sequestration calculated using the tree plotter software is projected to increase from the current 318,000 kg to 400,000 kg by 2025. Additionally, the monetary value associated with carbon reduction is expected to rise from $14,500 to $20,000 during the same period.
② Enhancing Urban Tree Health and Public Awareness of Climate Crisis Through Green Job Creation
The number of arborist trainees is expected to increase from around 400 individuals currently to 600 by 2026. The training programs, which currently run approximately eight sessions per year, will expand to 12 sessions annually by 2026. This growth will contribute to healthier urban trees and substantial improvement in public awareness of the climate crisis.Aby and Adena Coffee aims to introduce Indonesia's high-quality, diverse coffees to the world. To achieve this, they plan to establish an R&D team and build post-harvest processing facilities to improve production techniques. In the future, they will create a research institution focused on sustainability and develop a platform for indigenous coffee producers, enabling them to share their impact with a wider audience!
③ Supporting Income Growth for Low-Income Workers Through Arborist Training
The increase in the number of arborists directly contributes to job creation and income growth for Thai citizens. Skilled arborists currently earn an average annual income of $17,000, but with skill-based rewards, this is expected to rise to $18,000 by 2026.
Oraya and Rukkakorn's love and care for the trees in urban areas is truly remarkable, isn’t it? The story made me realize that the orderly and well-maintained streetscapes that we often take for granted in our country are the result of the efforts and actions of civil society in Thailand.
In just a few years, I believe the entire city of Thailand will become greener with healthy trees, and arborists will become one of Thailand’s emerging and promising professions. The fact that Oraya and Rukkakorn are playing a key role in this transformative process is incredible! Please continue to support and follow Rukkakorn’s activities as they move forward!
BeautifulStore will continue to collaborate with and support local residents and partners
for ‘beautiful change’ in the world, and we ask for your support for
self-reliance and sustainable development in the region.
Thank you very much.
Address Tel FAX Registration NO. | 34, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Rep of KOREA (04630) +82-02-730-0525, +82-02-725-2003 world@bstore.org |
Copyright (C)Beautiful Store. All rights reserved.
Copyright (C)Beautiful Store. All rights reserved.
