Bangkok: The National Water Resources Committee has given the green light to more than 20,000 urgent projects aimed at enhancing water management efficiency, addressing flood and drought issues, and improving the living conditions of 3.3 million households across the country. This announcement was made by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, following the committee’s recent meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Prasert Chantarawongthong.
According to Thai News Agency, the committee approved a total of 22,309 projects designed to boost sustainable water management and stimulate economic growth. These projects have been carefully vetted by the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) and other relevant agencies, including the River Basin Committee. All approved projects are set to be implemented within a year, ensuring better access to clean tap water for 2.4117 million households and the development of water systems in agricultural areas outside the irrigation zone.
The projects will address drought risks in 22.36 million rai of agricultural land by developing water systems for 2.3 million rai, which constitutes 9.08 percent of the area. Additionally, areas vulnerable to repeated flooding will benefit from development in 0.36 million rai, or 4.74 percent of the affected areas. This initiative is also expected to mitigate soil erosion in 0.18 million rai and create approximately 250,000 jobs per month, benefiting a total of 3.374 million households and generating significant economic impacts.
Furthermore, the committee approved an extension of the Khlong Phlo Reservoir Project in Rayong Province to support water demand in the Eastern Economic Corridor. The project timeline has been extended from four to six years, with an increased budget framework from 3,651.62 million baht to 4,291.62 million baht. The Royal Irrigation Department has been tasked with expediting the plan’s implementation.
The meeting also saw the approval of five water usage permit requests under the Water Resources Act 2018 for large-scale businesses, which the ONWR has verified as compliant with legal criteria. Project owners are required to closely monitor water usage.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon also disclosed plans for an upcoming meeting to address water quality issues in Chiang Mai Province, focusing on arsenic and lead pollution in the Kok River due to gold mining activities. The meeting will explore potential international support from organizations like the Mekong River Commission and the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Framework.
Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister has directed relevant departments and local administrative bodies to improve village water systems and prepare for the upcoming rainy and drought seasons, thereby minimizing the impact on communities and economic regions nationwide.