Thai Minister Orders Action on Black Water in Rangsit Canal
Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister Sushati Chomglin has ordered the Pollution Control Department to address black water and white foam appearing in Rangsit Canal, Pathum Thani. Officials suspect recent floodwaters washed organic matter and detergents into the canal, lowering dissolved oxygen levels and causing foul odors. The public is advised to avoid contact with the water while further testing and remedial actions are underway.
The Pollution Control Department is working to fix the white foam issue in Rangsit Canal, attributing it to floodwaters that carried organic substances and detergents from nearby communities into the waterway, causing stagnant, polluted water. When large pumps discharge canal water into the Chao Phraya River, the turbulence and mixing with air may generate white foam resembling suds at the drainage gates. Officials say further investigation is needed to confirm the pollution source. In the meantime, authorities advise the public to avoid direct contact with the water due to possible pathogens, to wear gloves or boots if contact is unavoidable, and to refrain from dumping garbage or wastewater into the canal to prevent further deterioration. The department will coordinate with relevant agencies to monitor the situation and develop appropriate solutions. On October 14, 2025, the Region 6 Office will revisit the three sampling sites—upstream of the Chulalongkorn drainage gate, at the Sukkasem community drainage gate (where foam appears), and downstream of the South Klop Phram pumping station—to collect water samples for laboratory analysis, including heavy metals and VOCs via headspace, and to distribute bio‑fermented water to mitigate foul odors in the community and provide drinking water. Residents affected by flood‑related wastewater can report issues and seek advice from the Region 6 Office in Nonthaburi at 02‑968‑8065 or the Pollution Control Department hotline 1650.
