Royal Irrigation Department Advances Water Management Knowledge to Prepare for Future Water Crises and Disasters
The Royal Irrigation Department held an academic seminar with partner organizations to develop water management guidelines addressing floods, droughts, and climate change impacts through 2027. Experts from government agencies and water spec
Today (May 22, 2026), the Royal Irrigation Department partnered with the Thai Hydrological Society, the National Water Resources Office, and the Royal Irrigation Engineering Alumni Association to host an academic seminar on "Guidelines for Managing Water Crises and Disasters: Floods, Droughts, Water for Energy, Water for Ecosystems 2026-2027" at the National Water Resources Office's Mahanontee Conference Room. Presiding over the seminar was Sanchai Ketuwornchai, chairman of the Thai Hydrological Society, alongside Dr. Thaneshon Samborn, director of the Water Management and Hydrology Bureau, representing the Royal Irrigation Department, plus various experts and specialists serving as speakers to exchange knowledge and collaboratively establish national water management guidelines that address climate change and future global fluctuations.
The seminar's primary objective was to integrate knowledge, concepts, and expertise from water resources and disaster specialists to prepare for comprehensive water management across all dimensions—including flood control, drought mitigation, water management for energy production, and ecosystem balance preservation. It also aimed to strengthen water management approaches at the policy level, watershed level, and operational agency level to effectively handle rapidly changing situations.
The seminar was organized into three key sessions: the first focusing on "Water Crisis Trends" emphasizing forecasting and technology applications; the second addressing "Crisis and Disaster Management" from government agency and watershed management perspectives; and the final session on "Policy-Level Crisis and Disaster Management" reflecting national policy, economic, and multi-stakeholder engagement viewpoints.
Experts and specialists from various organizations served as speakers, sharing valuable knowledge and experience to support long-term development of the country's water management systems. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of national water resource management, mitigate impacts from water crises and disasters, and ensure sustainable water security for the Thai people.
