Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in Thailand is a strategic and coordinated effort aimed at ensuring the sustainable use, conservation, and development of the nation’s water resources. As Thailand faces increasing water-related challenges due to urbanization, industrial growth, climate change, and periodic droughts and floods, the adoption of IWRM has become essential for national resilience and socio-economic development.
Policies and Institutional Framework
| i. | The Water Resources Act B.E. 2561 (2018) provides the legal foundation for IWRM in Thailand, focusing on the equitable and sustainable management of water. |
| ii. | The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), established in 2017, is the central agency responsible for formulating national water policies and coordinating integrated planning and implementation. |
| iii. | River Basin Committees have been formed to promote stakeholder participation and manage water at the basin level in line with IWRM principles. |
Key Challenges
| i. | Fragmented water governance among multiple agencies and ministries. |
| ii. | Frequent natural disasters such as floods and droughts that disrupt water availability. |
| iii. | Pollution and over-extraction of water resources in some regions. |
| iv. | Limited integration of water-related data and information systems for planning and decision-making. |
Ongoing Efforts and Achievements
| i. | Thailand has developed a 20-Year Master Plan for Water Resource Management (2018–2037), which outlines strategic actions aligned with IWRM. |
| ii. | Investment in infrastructure such as reservoirs, irrigation systems, and flood control measures has been prioritized. |
| iii. | Community-based water management projects have been promoted, particularly in rural areas. |
| iv. | Thailand has engaged in regional cooperation through the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and other platforms to address transboundary water issues. |