Thanapong Duangmanee

Department

Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage

Job Title

Director of Environmental Policy

INSTRUCTION LANGUAGES

English, Thai

PERSONAL BIO

Dr. Thanapong Duangmanee is an environmental engineer and sustainability leader with more than 15 years of experience at the Mae Fah Luang Foundation. As the Director of Environmental Policy, he oversees a team of about 40 professionals and guides the Foundation’s environmental strategy across a wide range of initiatives.

His work spans circular economy design and performance measurement, zero-waste-to-landfill operations, wastewater treatment and reuse, and the utilization of renewable energy sources such as macadamia shells. He also leads efforts in biochar production from leftover bamboo, forest-based carbon credit project development, water footprint assessment, product carbon footprint calculation, and biodiversity conservation.

In addition to managing these technical programs, Dr. Thanapong plays a key role in shaping the Foundation’s long-term climate strategy. He directs the development of Net Zero policies for both the Foundation and its private-sector partners, ensuring that emissions reduction goals are practical, science-based, and measurable. He also leads the Foundation’s consultant and verifier team for the Carbon Footprint of Organization (CFO) and Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction (T-VER) programs, supporting organizations in accurately assessing and meaningfully reducing their environmental impact.

Each year, his team hosts 6 to 10 students from Thailand and abroad. He aims for every student to conduct an individual project while also gaining meaningful exposure to Thai culture and local communities.

WORK EXPERIENCE AND AWARDS

‍【Work Experience】

Mae Fah LuangFoundation under Royal Patronage, Thailand
- Director of Environmental Policy (2019-present)
- Environmental Engineer (2010 - 2019)

Section Manager, Tesco-Lotus Supercenter (Phitsanuloke branch), Ek-Chai Distribution System Co., LTD., Thailand (1998-1999)
Scientist, Research and Development Department, Great One Food Product Co.,LTD, Thailand (1997-1998)

‍

【Awards】

Lower Emission Supporting Scheme Award, Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (2025)
Distinguished Member, ISU Water Quality Club, Iowa Water Environment Association, USA (2008)
The Mervin D. Dougal Memorial Fellowship Awardee (2004)
Research Excellent Award, Iow State University, USA (2002)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

PhD in Environmental Engineering and Biorenewable Resource Technology, Iowa State University, USA
Master in Environmental Engineering, Iowa State University, USA
Bachelor in Biotechnology, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

VacancIES

Brief Introduction of the Department

‍【Environment Policy Development】

The department consists of roughly 40 dedicated professionals who contribute their expertise across a wide range of environmental and sustainability-related fields. Each team member plays a vital role in ensuring that the department can effectively address complex ecological challenges and support long-term organizational goals. Their work spans several key areas, beginning with waste management and wastewater treatment, both of which are essential for reducing environmental pollution and ensuring the responsible handling of industrial and community-generated waste. The department is also responsible for monitoring and supporting compliance with environmental standards, helping organizations meet national and international regulations.

In addition, the team specializes in calculating carbon footprints for both products and entire organizations. This includes assessing emissions across supply chains and identifying opportunities to reduce environmental impact. They also conduct water footprint assessments to better understand water usage and promote efficient resource management. The department is actively involved in renewable energy utilization and Net Zero strategic planning, guiding organizations toward low-carbon pathways.

Beyond these functions, the team is also involved in biochar production and the development of carbon credits across the forestry, agriculture, energy, and waste sectors. In addition, some team members serve as verifiers for domestic standards. They also conduct biodiversity surveys to support conservation efforts and ensure sustainable ecosystem management.

Department Staff Number

More than 10 people

Internship Job Description

The Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage has been assessing the success of ecosystem restoration in the Doi Tung Development Project area through biodiversity surveys. The Foundation began establishing a plant biodiversity database in 2004 and expanded its surveys to cover a wider range of organisms in 2021. The surveys have revealed significant biodiversity, including 1,465 plant species, 850 insect species, 156 bird species, 58 reptile species, 48 mammal species, 31 fish species, and 27 amphibian species.

An assessment of the direct value of ecosystem services also indicates that these forests generate more than USD 350,000 in nature-dependent value for local communities. This demonstrates that a healthy ecosystem can provide both ecological and economic benefits while supporting local livelihoods.

The key challenge moving forward is to translate this ecological value into sustainable economic and social value through the development of meaningful nature trails. Rather than simply guiding visitors through the forest, the trails should create opportunities for visitors to experience biodiversity firsthand, understand the relationships between forests, wildlife, people, and livelihoods, and develop a deeper appreciation of nature.

The ultimate goal is for each visitor to leave the trail with more than photographs or information. A meaningful encounter with the forest—such as observing wildlife, discovering local plants, meeting community members, or experiencing the restoration landscape—could become a memorable or even life-changing experience that inspires visitors to change how they perceive and interact with nature.

Therefore, interns are expected to design nature trails that connect people emotionally and intellectually with the ecosystem, inspire long-term conservation awareness, and demonstrate how communities can lead and actively participate in conservation while creating sustainable value from nature

Preferred Intern Education Level

Undergraduate Students (third year and above)
Master Students

Preferred Intern Skill Sets or Qualities

Basic forest, ecosystem ecology, biodiversity, and wildlife knowledge
Conservation principles
Nature-trail route planning
GPS and field data collection
Storytelling and educational design
Developing nature-learning activities
Budgeting and cost estimation.

A good nature-trail developer should be able to balance visitor experience × conservation × local economic benefits

Internship Period

From Mid-June to Early- August, 2027 (adjustable at the discretion of the organisation)

Others

Expected working hours per week: 40 hours
Salary/Financial Support: Voyage of Aspiration Intern Scholarship
Interns will get discounts on food and goods.
All transportations for work will be compensated
Students who accept this position are required to participate in the iNGO Academy training courses.