The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has added water to over 2,500 rai in Chanthaburi Province, a production area of durian which is a key Thai export, while also providing water sources for wildlife.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchat Chomklin, along with Director-General of the Department of Water Resources Theerachun Boonsit and ministry executives, visited Chanthaburi Province on 8 Aug 2026 to advance the government's proactive water management policy. The goal is to increase water resources for agriculture to prepare for both dry and flood seasons, while securing water for wildlife—especially wild elephants—to ensure water reaches people, agriculture, and wildlife comprehensively and sustainably. Chanthaburi Governor Monsit Paisanthanawat, local MPs, leaders of local administrative organizations, and residents welcomed the delegation.
Suchat said Chanthaburi is a strategic agricultural area and a major durian production center in Thailand, generating export income and linking the economy from farmers, durian orchards, packing plants, and transport to international markets. In 2026, Chanthaburi had over 478,000 rai of durian plantations and is expected to yield more than 683,000 tons.
Thailand's durians mainly export to China and generate over 200 billion baht in economic value. Therefore, water is not only for consumption but is vital to the economy and farmers' income. Water management must be forward-looking, ensuring sufficient water resources and farmers' confidence in their livelihoods, especially for durian cultivation, which is an important economic crop for the country.
On this occasion, Suchat presided over the opening of the Thung Yai Pond water conservation and restoration project with a solar-powered water distribution system in Thung Benja Subdistrict, Tha Mai District. The Department of Water Resources dredged and expanded the water storage capacity and installed a solar-powered distribution system, increasing capacity by 0.28 million cubic meters. This covers over 2,500 rai of agricultural land and benefits more than 200 households, boosting water availability during the dry season, managing floodwater, and reducing energy costs for water distribution.
Suchat said today's water source development must meet economic, public, and environmental needs—not just building or dredging water sources but ensuring people can access and use water effectively. Using solar energy reduces pumping costs, improves management efficiency, and creates long-term community stability.
Following that, Suchat and his team visited Khao Kaeo Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Tha Mai District to meet residents and hear local issues. The local administration requested water pumps from the Department of Water Resources to enhance drainage efficiency and prepare for flood situations, aligning with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's directive for all agencies to work proactively to handle floods and droughts and minimize impacts on the public.
Then, Suchat and the delegation proceeded to monitor the Sak Taniam wild elephant water source restoration project in Chanthaklom Subdistrict, Khao Khitchakut District. This area supports the Patcharasutha Elephant Conservation Project in the forest corridor spanning five eastern provinces: Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chonburi, and Sa Kaeo.
The Department of Water Resources has completed 66 water development projects for wild elephants and wildlife and is seeking additional budget approval for six more projects, totaling 72. These aim to increase water sources in forest areas, reduce wild elephant conflicts outside forests, and lower risks affecting local communities.
The Sak Taniam wild elephant water source can increase water volume by 0.22 million cubic meters to provide direct water access for wild elephants and other wildlife. This helps ensure sufficient natural water, reduces pressure on animals to leave the forest, and supports ecological balance.
Suchat emphasized that this visit to Chanthaburi reflects the government's water management approach, which acts before problems arise by establishing water systems covering key economic zones like durian orchards and agricultural land, communities preparing for floods, and forest areas with water sources for wild elephants.
However, water must be managed for maximum benefit—reaching farmers to protect incomes and the country's economic crops, while also sustaining water in forests to care for elephants and wildlife. Caring for people and nature can go hand in hand. This is balanced and sustainable water resource management.