The Hidden Energy in Your Day
From the motorbike that takes you to school and the gas that cooks your breakfast, to the plastic in your phone case, petroleum is an invisible but essential part of our modern Thai life. This infographic explores the science behind this powerful resource and how we can use it wisely, guided by our own cultural wisdom.
Transport
Cooking
Plastics
Infrastructure
The Science: From Ancient Seas to a Modern Refinery
The Journey of Crude Oil
Crude oil is a non-renewable resource formed over millions of years from the remains of tiny marine organisms. The journey from deep underground to useful products involves extraction, transportation, and a complex refining process.
1. Formation
Tiny marine life buried under heat and pressure for millions of years.
2. Extraction
Drilling deep underground or under the sea to extract crude oil.
3. Transportation
Moved by giant ships (tankers) to refineries around the world.
4. Refining
Separated into useful products using Fractional Distillation.
Inside the Refinery: Fractional Distillation
Crude oil is heated to over 400°C and the resulting vapor rises through a tall tower. As it cools, different products condense at different temperatures based on their boiling points. This process separates the complex mixture into many useful fuels and materials.
A Path to Wise Use: The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy
Gifted to the Thai people by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX), this philosophy guides us toward a balanced and sustainable way of life. It is built on three core principles, supported by knowledge and virtue.
Moderation (พอประมาณ)
Not too much, not too little. Finding the "just right" amount and avoiding wastefulness in our consumption.
Reasonableness (มีเหตุผล)
Making decisions based on careful consideration of the causes, effects, and potential outcomes for ourselves and society.
Self-Immunity (มีภูมิคุ้มกันที่ดี)
Building resilience to prepare for future changes and challenges, whether they are economic, social, or environmental.
Lesson Impact: Analyzing Student Understanding
Overall Class Performance
79.1%
Average Quiz Score
This strong average across 23 students indicates that the core instructional objectives were successfully met for the majority of the class.
Performance by Cognitive Skill
The data shows excellent recall of facts, but highlights an opportunity to strengthen higher-order thinking and application skills.
Our Sufficiency Action Plan: Applying Moderation
Knowing the science is the first step. Wisdom is applying that knowledge. By practicing **moderation**, we can make small, conscious choices that have a big impact on reducing petroleum consumption.
Choose Human Power
Walk or bike for short distances instead of using a motorbike. This directly saves gasoline.
Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Use reusable water bottles and shopping bags. This reduces demand for Naphtha, the raw material for plastics.