Food prepared for merit-making ceremonies represents much more than a meal. Behind each dish is the dedication of community members who come together to contribute their time and effort and pass down traditions from generation to generation. Familiar ingredients, such as tapioca starch, play a part in creating sweet and savoury dishes offered to Buddhist monks.

Ubon Bio Ethanol Public Company Limited, or “UBE,” supported the Bun Sangkhathan tradition during Buddhist Lent by providing tapioca starch, Tasuko crispy batter mix, and drinking water to communities surrounding its facilities. Under the “UBE CARE — Caring with Attention” initiative, this support reached 21 villages across six subdistricts in three districts of Ubon Ratchathani Province: Na Yia, Phibun Mangsahan, and Sawang Wirawong.

The Bun Sangkhathan tradition brings villagers together to prepare food and traditional treats, such as taro, other edible tubers, flattened young rice, lod chong, and krong krang, as offerings to Buddhist monks. Villagers also welcome people from neighbouring communities to join the merit-making activities, creating opportunities to connect, share, and strengthen community bonds.

The starch provided by UBE connects products derived from cassava—a key local economic crop—with local ways of life and cultural traditions. Its use in sweet and savoury dishes for merit-making ceremonies reflects the tangible connections between agriculture, industry, and communities in everyday life.

UBE remains committed to caring for local communities and supporting activities that are meaningful to them, ensuring that business growth goes hand in hand with strong community relationships and the preservation of local heritage.

UBE CARE — Caring with Attention, Growing Together with Our Communities