Lakkhana “Bum” Saenbungkho 

FOUNDER, BANANALAND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Industry : Advocacy

Lakkhana “Bum” Saenbungkho is the founder of BananaLand, a social enterprise located in Phuho, Phuluang, Loei Province. Established on ancestral land, BananaLand has transformed from a traditional farm into a community driven ecotourism destination.

The initiative began with Saenbungkho’s participation in the 2018 season of Win Win WAR Thailand where she presented her idea for a banana based snack business. Although she did not win, the exposure provided the necessary capital to develop her family’s 8-rai land into a public space that now serves as a hub for sustainable agriculture and cultural exchange.

BananaLand offers a range of activities that blend agriculture with cultural experiences. Visitors can participate in organic rice farming from planting to harvesting and even own a rice field for a season through the “Online Rice Field” programme. The site also features a straw castle, handmade crafts, herbal foot spas and local cuisine, all set against the backdrop of Phuho Mountain.

Saenbungkho’s approach integrates the sufficiency economy philosophy and the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) model, aiming to create a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the community. Her efforts have revitalised the local economy as well as fostered a sense of pride and unity among the residents of Phuho.
Through BananaLand, Saenbungkho continues to demonstrate how sustainable practices and community involvement can lead to meaningful development in rural Thailand.