Ministry of Agriculture Revamps Lower Chao Phraya Irrigation System
Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives launched a high‑level forum to overhaul the irrigation system in the lower eastern Chao Phraya Basin, aiming for systematic water management that balances agricultural needs, flood and drought resilience, and community wellbeing. The event featured EU and French officials, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, and outlined plans to upgrade canals, boost storage capacity, and apply data‑driven technology. Officials said the upgrades will help farmers plan production more securely and strengthen long‑term water stability for agriculture and the public.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is overhauling the irrigation system in the lower eastern Chao Phraya Basin. Permanent Secretary Raphiphat Chantrasriwong said he attended the opening remarks of the High-Level Event: Showcasing Global Partnerships for the Lower East Chao Phraya Basin, which featured European Commissioner for International Cooperation Jozef Sikela, French Minister for European and Foreign Affairs Eleonore Caroit, Asian Development Bank Vice President Scott Morris, and World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific Felipe Jaramillo. The event took place at the Grand Centre Point Lumpini Hotel and forms part of the ministry’s drive to implement a systematic water management approach under Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, focusing on systematic water allocation for agriculture, flood risk mitigation, drought response, and community resilience to ensure flexible, equitable water management adapted to changing conditions, while also considering food security and quality of life for the public. The ministry is pursuing proactive water management based on the principle “store water upstream, moderate flow midstream, discharge downstream,” alongside improving irrigation system efficiency and using data to plan water management in line with conditions to secure long-term water stability for agriculture and the public.
Raphiphat said the project to upgrade the irrigation system on the eastern side of the lower Chao Phraya River is a key mechanism to enhance water management efficiency by improving canals and irrigation structures, increasing drainage and storage capacity, and applying data, forecasts, and modern technology to boost the system’s ability to handle flood situations and water shortages, helping farmers plan production more effectively and securely. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, through the Royal Irrigation Department, is ready to drive project preparation and implementation efficiently and transparently, prioritizing public benefit and coordinating with all sectors to support effective water management and strengthen agricultural stability in the long term.
Furthermore, developing irrigation infrastructure must go hand in hand with providing opportunities for public participation, appropriately managing community impacts, building officials’ capacities, and closely coordinating between government agencies and development partners so that projects meet local needs and benefit the public comprehensively.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives emphasizes systematic water management by linking infrastructure development, data and technology use, and public participation to effectively cope with water variability. In both flood and drought periods, we aim for irrigation development that truly benefits farmers and the public, reducing occupational risks, stabilizing production, and improving community livelihoods, upholding transparency, accountability, and the public good, while pushing for multi-sector collaboration to make water management a cornerstone of stability.
