Thailand’s water story begins here at the Royal Irrigation Department. This government agency has a long history of managing Thailand’s precious water resources. It ensures water sufficiency for the people through systematic water management.
The Royal Irrigation Department’s origins trace back to King Chulalongkorn, or King Rama V. In 1902, he established the Canals Department to maintain canals. These canals were crucial for transportation and agricultural storage. King Chulalongkorn recruited a Dutch expert, Mr. Yehoman vander Heide, to plan irrigation projects. He later became the first Director General of the Canals Department. His Majesty proposed constructing a diversion dam across the Chao Phraya River in Chai Nat Province.
King Mongkutklao, or King Rama VI, renamed the Canals Department to the Barrages Department in 1914. He appointed Mr. R.C.R. Wilson, an English engineer, as Director General. The Barrages Department developed irrigation works based on technical principles. They implemented the South Pasak Irrigation Project. They constructed the Rama VI Barrage across the Pasak River. It was Thailand’s first modern barrage.
King Phrapokklao, or King Rama VII, realized the department’s work involved more than just barrages. It also included canal excavation, water distribution, and pumping. Therefore, on March 21, 1927, he renamed it the Royal Irrigation Department.
The Royal Irrigation Department has continued to progress since then. The need for water has increased with national development. Today, water resources development projects are scattered across the country. They ensure sufficient water for the people. The department oversees water resources development in various scales and types.
Thailand has a tropical climate with distinct seasons. The Royal Irrigation Department plays a vital role in managing water throughout the year. They ensure enough water during the dry season and mitigate floods during the rainy season.
Thailand’s irrigated area covers 5.56 million hectares. The Royal Irrigation Department manages this vast area. They also oversee 0.16 million hectares of drained area. The major river basins are the Chao Phraya in the west and the Mekong in the east.
The Thai National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (THAICID) is linked to the Royal Irrigation Department. The Director General of the Royal Irrigation Department also heads THAICID.
The Royal Irrigation Department has received international recognition for its work. In 2016, they won an award for Innovative Water Management. The Integrated Smart Farming – AWDI technique saves water and increases rice yield. This technique reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. It also cuts cultivation costs.
Several irrigation structures under the Royal Irrigation Department are recognized as World Heritage Irrigation Structures. These include the Bang Nok Khwaek Lock, Damnoen Saduak Canal, Rangsit Canal and Chulalongkorn Regulator and Sareadphong Dam.
So, the next time you see a rice paddy or a flowing canal remember the Royal Irrigation Department. They work tirelessly to ensure Thailand’s water security. Their efforts support agriculture, industry, and daily life for millions of people.