The Irrigation Department held its 124th anniversary event titled “FRIENDS OF WATER: A Stream of Cooperation,” advancing sustainable water security toward the future.
The Irrigation Department celebrated its 124th founding anniversary under the concept “124 Years of the Irrigation Department: FRIENDS OF WATER, A Stream of Cooperation.” The ceremony was honored by Mr. Winarot Sapsongsuk, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, who presided over the event. Emphasis was placed on integrating cooperation across all sectors in managing the country’s water resources to build water security alongside sustainable economic, social, and environmental development. The event was attended by Mr. Suriyaphol Nuchanong, Director-General of the Irrigation Department, together with executives, staff from internal and external agencies, and the general public.
The Irrigation Department organized its 124th founding anniversary event under the title “124 Years of the Irrigation Department: FRIENDS OF WATER, A Stream of Cooperation,” highlighting its longstanding role and mission in managing the nation’s water resources for over 124 years. The event reaffirmed the department’s commitment to serving as the guardian of water resources for the well-being of the people and the sustainable development of the country.
Marking its 124th year, the Irrigation Department’s role is symbolized as a “friend” to all lives and sectors jointly caring for the country’s water resources under the concept “FRIENDS OF WATER.” This focuses on building networks of cooperation, participation, and collaboration among all sectors to enable comprehensive and sustainable water management supporting national development. The emblem of the “Seven-Headed Naga” represents the department’s multifaceted mission, working for the people over many years. It reflects operations encompassing water resource development, irrigation delivery for agriculture, flood prevention and mitigation, crisis water management, environmental stewardship, and securing the nation’s water stability through integrated and coordinated efforts.
Over more than a century, the Irrigation Department has continuously evolved its water management approach, shifting from solely focusing on irrigation infrastructure development to regarding water as a vital resource for life and sustainability, interconnected with economic, social, and environmental development.
The department emphasizes balancing resource use and natural conservation to effectively adapt to future changes.
The term “FRIENDS” signifies not only “friends” but also allies cooperating and progressing together in managing the country’s water resources, strengthening communities, preserving the environment, and supporting economic growth, all leading Thailand toward a secure and sustainable future.
Irrigation personnel nationwide remain dedicated to their mission under the “RID UNITED” policy, embodying the concept of “jointly building sustainable water security.” They continue to uphold the royal initiative on water management, aiming for development that aligns with nature’s balance, enabling effective adaptation to all changes, enhancing citizens’ quality of life, securing water resources, and driving the country’s sustainable development forward.
