Thailand Deploys Drones to Restore Phichit's Polluted Bung Sai Lake
Thailand's environment ministry is deploying drones to survey Bung Sai Lake in Phichit province after water quality severely deteriorated, with tests showing the lake's central area in critical condition.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin expressed concern on July 31 about deteriorating water quality at Bung Sai Lake in Phichit province, an important natural water source and tourist attraction. He instructed the Pollution Control Department to urgently track and assess water quality, identify pollution sources, and coordinate with all relevant agencies to devise corrective measures and restore the water body.
Chomklin directed the Pollution Control Department to deploy drone technology to survey the area around Bung Sai Lake to gather spatial data, locate pollution sources, and analyze factors affecting water quality. This information will support targeted corrective measures with concrete results.
Dr. Surin Vorakitthammong, director-general of the Pollution Control Department, reported that the Region 4 office in Nakhon Sawan has continuously monitored five sampling points at Bung Sai Lake during fiscal 2025. Results from the first three quarters show that the central point (BS05) exhibits Category 5 water quality, indicating severe degradation.
The department conducted an aerial survey using drone technology on August 11, 2025, to identify pollution sources and factors affecting water quality, supported by the Phichit Provincial Administration and coordinated with provincial natural resources and environment office, Phichit Municipality, and local administrative organizations. Dr. Surin stated that aerial imagery will be analyzed alongside water quality test results to develop targeted restoration measures, enabling sustainable use and long-term ecosystem preservation.
