ส.อ.ท. เปิดเวที “Water Wise” ผนึกทุกภาคส่วน เน้นสร้างผู้นำด้านน้ำ ผลักดันนโยบาย ด้วยฐานข้อมูล-วิจัยที่ใช้ได้จริงFTI Launches “Water Wise” Platform to Unite All Sectors, Emphasizing the Creation of Water Leaders and Policy Promotion through Practical Data and Research

On July 2, 2025, the Sustainable Water and Environmental Institute of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) organized the seminar "Water Wise: Driving Policy through Knowledge, Innovation, and Participation" to create a space for collaboration among government, private sector, academia, and civil society to exchange knowledge and strategies for pushing forward the country's water management in the face of challenges posed by climate change. This initiative aims to elevate Thailand's water resource management to meet the demands of a sustainable and modern world at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

“Water Wise” marks the beginning of the transition to a resilient, secure, and sustainable water system in Thailand, founded on reliable data, applicable research, and collaborative mechanisms from all sectors.

Dr. Chana Poomi, Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and Chairman of the Sustainable Water and Environmental Institute, stated, “Effective water management must be based on reliable data, applicable research, and the participation of all sectors. The Water Wise platform is the first step towards uniting efforts to create a robust future for Thailand’s water system that can withstand crises and support economic, social, and environmental security.”

The event featured intense main content, beginning with a keynote speech on “Water Resilience in a Climate Crisis: Integrating Knowledge into Water Management Policy for Security and Sustainability” by Mr. Phaitoon Kaengkarnchang, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Water Resources Office (NWRO), reflecting an overview of water management policy amidst the global warming crisis and the role of integrating knowledge data into precise and sustainable decision-making. This was followed by a special lecture by Associate Professor Dr. Banchak Khwan-yuen on “Thai Knowledge and Research on Water: How to Connect with Policy and Apply it in Practice”, exploring essential issues of transforming research results into actual policies or operational plans at the local level. Additionally, there was a special lecture on the “Water Leadership” course by Mr. Chuchart Saitin, Chairman of the Sustainable Water Management Task Force and Vice President of the Sustainable Water and Environmental Institute.

FTI’s course focuses on developing a new generation of water leaders who understand policymaking, science, and strategic management, while enhancing the capacity of leaders in water resource management to apply knowledge gained from training towards sustainable water management across various dimensions.

A key highlight was a panel discussion titled “Empowering Thailand’s Water Future through Knowledge, Leadership, and Collaboration”, which brought together experts from key water agencies in the country to exchange views and experiences, including:

1. Ms. Nawarat Parakmasit, Director of the Overall Planning Department, Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EEC)
2. Dr. Kanoksri Sarinnaphakorn, Researcher and Head of the Water Resource Information Innovation Division, Water Resource Information Institute (Public Organization) (WRIP)
3. Mr. LeBoon Udomsap, Irrigation Engineering Specialist and Deputy Spokesman of the Royal Irrigation Department
4. Ms. Panporn Suwan, Director of the Water Usage Permission Division, Department of Water Resources
5. Dr. Pobporn Sethaphraksa, Director of the Groundwater Resource Information Technology Center, Department of Groundwater Resources

The session was moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Banchak Khwan-yuen, focusing on linking data, visions, and cooperation among agencies to enhance comprehensive water resource management of the country while preparing for an uncertain future. This event reflects the commitment of the Federation of Thai Industries and the country's water agencies to support Thailand's water management, driven by data, science, and participation from all sectors. It not only creates a space for in-depth knowledge exchange but underscores the collaborative roles of government, industry, and academia in jointly designing the future of responsible and sustainable water resource management, with the belief that “water” is not merely a resource, but the heart of the country's long-term economic, social, and environmental security.

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For further information, please contact:
Sustainable Water and Environmental Institute, Federation of Thai Industries 
Phone: 023451184
E-mail: manitat@fti.or.th